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Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Helicopter Specifications and Charter Rates

The Airbus H135, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC135, is a twin-engine, light utility helicopter renowned for its advanced technology and luxury-focused design. It typically seats up to six passengers and offers a seamless blend of speed, versatility, and comfort, making it the preferred choice for executive transfers, VIP shuttles, and private city-to-city travel. With its agile footprint and whisper-quiet rotor system, the H135 stands out for those who value both style and efficiency in the air.


This profile highlights the H135’s specifications, cabin features, real-world operational range, and answers to the most important questions discerning travelers ask before booking. Explore why the H135 is the benchmark for luxury helicopter charters worldwide.

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Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Overview

The Airbus H135 is a twin-engine helicopter in the light utility class, highly regarded for its smooth ride, advanced avionics, and flexible cabin arrangements. Configured for up to six passengers, the H135’s spacious interior can be tailored for executive, VIP, or air ambulance operations. Its state-of-the-art Helionix flight deck and Fenestron tail rotor technology enable safe, quiet, and precise operations—even into city-center helipads or remote private estates.


What keeps the H135 at the forefront of luxury rotorcraft is its ability to combine performance with discretion. The exceptionally low-noise profile and compact landing footprint open access to urban heliports and exclusive destinations, making it ideal for high-profile clients who require privacy and speed on every mission.


Operators appreciate its proven reliability and ease of maintenance, backed by Airbus’ robust global support. For private flyers, the H135 delivers an elevated onboard experience and unmatched convenience for short-haul journeys.

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Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Helicopter

Passenger capacity:

Up to 5 (typical), 6 maximum

Crew:

1 or 2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 620 nautical miles (around 713 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

129 knots (about 149 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 120 knots

Service ceiling:

20400 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney PW206B2 or Safran Arrius 2B2 Plus turboshafts

Thrust:

Roughly lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1640 feet

Landing distance:

About 1480 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 45 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 1.13 cubic feet

First delivered:

Mid-1990s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

airbus-helicopters-h135---eurocopter-ec135

Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Range and Performance

With a range of up to 620 miles, the H135 comfortably connects major urban centers and remote retreats without refueling. Imagine direct flights from Manhattan to the Hamptons, Nice to Monaco, or intercity hops across Europe, all in under two hours. | The helicopter’s high-speed cruise of 129 knots (149 mph) ensures rapid point-to-point transfers, while its 20,400-foot service ceiling and twin engines allow for confident operations in challenging weather and terrain. | A takeoff and landing footprint of less than 1,700 feet means the H135 can land at private estates, city helipads, or yachts—putting you closer to your final destination than any jet. | For luxury travelers, this translates to dramatic time savings, seamless city access, and a travel experience that’s impossible to replicate by ground or fixed-wing aircraft.

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Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Cabin Experience and Interior

The H135’s cabin is crafted for luxury and tranquility, featuring a flat floor, panoramic windows, and executive seating for up to six. The spacious interior makes boarding comfortable, and passengers enjoy an open, bright ambiance thanks to oversized glazing. | Seating can be arranged in club or forward-facing layouts, with options for leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and noise-reducing insulation, making even short flights memorable. | The advanced avionics suite keeps the ride smooth and safe, while a private luggage compartment (1.13 cubic feet) accommodates compact carry-ons and soft bags for your getaway. | Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or a special occasion, the H135’s quiet, refined cabin ensures you arrive refreshed and ready.

Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 typically runs in the range of $2500 to $3500 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135?

The Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the H135 is not designed for long-range or international flights, it excels at short-haul, high-frequency missions where speed, privacy, and direct access are paramount. For city-to-resort transfers, event shuttles, or executive hops, the H135’s combination of comfort, agility, and discretion is unmatched.

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How the Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Compares to Other Helicopter

The Airbus H135 first took flight in the mid-1990s as the Eurocopter EC135, a response to growing demand for a versatile, quiet, and reliable light twin helicopter. Its sleek airframe and advanced technology set new standards in the industry, with the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and composite blades reducing both noise and vibration for an exceptionally smooth ride.


Over the years, the H135 has benefited from continuous upgrades, including advanced avionics and more efficient engines, ensuring its place as a favorite for VIP, corporate, and medical operators worldwide. The model’s proven safety record, high reliability, and adaptable cabin have cemented its reputation as the go-to choice for luxury urban and regional helicopter transport.


Today, the H135 is operated by leading charter companies and discerning private owners, supported by Airbus Helicopters’ global service network. Its enduring appeal comes from a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, comfort, and operational flexibility.

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Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 History and Background

The Airbus H135 first took flight in the mid-1990s as the Eurocopter EC135, a response to growing demand for a versatile, quiet, and reliable light twin helicopter. Its sleek airframe and advanced technology set new standards in the industry, with the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and composite blades reducing both noise and vibration for an exceptionally smooth ride.


Over the years, the H135 has benefited from continuous upgrades, including advanced avionics and more efficient engines, ensuring its place as a favorite for VIP, corporate, and medical operators worldwide. The model’s proven safety record, high reliability, and adaptable cabin have cemented its reputation as the go-to choice for luxury urban and regional helicopter transport.


Today, the H135 is operated by leading charter companies and discerning private owners, supported by Airbus Helicopters’ global service network. Its enduring appeal comes from a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, comfort, and operational flexibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Carry?

The H135 typically seats five passengers in an executive configuration, with some setups accommodating up to six. Standard layouts include club or forward-facing seating, offering flexibility for both business and leisure travelers.

What Is the Range of the Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135?

The Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 has a range of approximately 620 nautical miles, or roughly 713 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 129 knots (about 149 mph), with a long-range cruise near 120 knots. The aircraft's 20400-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2500 and $3500 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The H135 features a spacious, quiet cabin with panoramic windows and a dedicated luggage compartment for small bags or personal items. The advanced noise-reduction technology and smooth ride make it comfortable for all passengers.

Is the Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most city-to-city or resort transfers, absolutely. The H135’s range of up to 620 miles and ability to access helipads, rooftops, and private estates make it perfect for direct flights to exclusive destinations without the need for lengthy ground transfers.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Airbus Helicopters H135 / Eurocopter EC135, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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