Helicopters
Airbus H135
A light twin-engine helicopter for up to six passengers, with one-engine-inoperative capability and single-pilot IFR certification when fitted with Helionix.
Reviewed by Kevin Singh, Founder · Specifications checked against manufacturer and type certificate data · Last updated 14 September 2026
At a glance
Airbus H135 specifications
Figures are representative of the type; individual aircraft vary with configuration, load and conditions.
Where it fits
The light twin for over-water transfers
The Airbus H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter, flown on two Safran Arrius 2B2 Plus or two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW206B3 turbines. Airbus points to its one-engine-inoperative capability as a plus for over-water island transfers.
When equipped with Helionix avionics it is certified for single-pilot IFR, and Airbus describes it as one of the quietest twin-engine helicopters, with a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor. Rear clamshell doors open wide onto the aft cabin and cargo area.
The EC135 was certified in June 1996 and the current Helionix T3H followed in November 2016. Airbus has delivered over 1,600 to more than 325 operators, and the H135 is still in production.
Parties of more than six, or trips where a lot of luggage has to travel with the passengers. Airbus does not publish a baggage volume for the current H135, so the load is confirmed aircraft by aircraft. For seven seats in a twin, the A109C; for measured holds on a single, the H130.
Missions
What the desk books it for
Island transfers over open water
Athens or Mykonos to the Cyclades with a second engine, which Airbus notes as a plus for over-water transfers.
Athens to Crete and Corfu
Athens to Heraklion is 167 NM and Athens to Corfu 214 NM, both inside the 342 NM published range on standard fuel. No reserve is stated, so the desk plans fuel and weather before it quotes.
Days when the weather is marginal
With Helionix and the right equipment it can fly under IFR, so a low cloud base does not automatically ground the trip. The desk confirms the IFR fit and the pilot's approvals for the specific aircraft.
Cross-border hops
Mykonos to Bodrum at 111 NM and Mykonos to Porto Cheli at 105 NM, with the paperwork for Turkey filed alongside the trip.
Where it flies
Routes the desk flies on the H135
Sectors from our Athens and Mykonos route guides that sit inside the H135's published range. Each opens to the airports at both ends and what to know before you fly; the desk confirms the fuel plan and landing sites for the specific aircraft.
Cabin and baggage
Club seating, wide doors and clamshell access
In the two-pilot, five-passenger layout, Airbus mixes rear and forward-facing seats to create a conversation or work environment. With one pilot it carries up to six passengers, and the European type certificate allows up to seven in high-density seating.
Passengers board through wide sliding doors, and the rear cargo area opens through two hinged clamshell doors. Airbus does not publish a baggage volume on its current pages, so the desk confirms space with the operator for the specific aircraft.
Tell the desk the bag count and sizes when you enquire. On a helicopter without a published hold figure, that is what decides whether the trip stays on an H135 or needs a second aircraft for luggage.
Performance and airports
Two engines, IFR and landing sites
Airbus gives a fast cruise of 136 knots and a published range of 342 NM on the standard tank, with 3 hours 36 minutes of endurance. Maximum takeoff weight is 2,980 kg, and the never-exceed speed is 150 knots at sea level.
On Greek island and Riviera transfers the sectors are short and often over water, which is where the second engine earns its place. Equipped with Helionix, it is certified for single-pilot IFR, so the desk plans weather minima for the specific aircraft and pilot rather than waiting for a clear day.
Villa lawns, hotel pads and private sites each need approval before a helicopter can land there. The desk checks the landing site, the pilot's approvals and the forecast for the specific H135 before a quote goes out.
Compare the class
H135 against the other helicopters
How the H135 lines up against the other helicopters we cover. The H130 and A109C seat more, the AS355 publishes longer range, and the AS350 matches its cruise on one engine; the H135's case is a current twin with single-pilot IFR and a 136 knot fast cruise.
| Aircraft | Passengers | Range | Cruise | Engines | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo A109C | Up to 7 | n/a | n/a | Twin turbine | 150 kg |
| Airbus H130 | Up to 7 | 327 NM | 128 kts | Single turbine | 39 cu ft |
| Bell 407 | Up to 6 | 337 NM | 133 kts | Single turbine | 16 cu ft |
| Airbus AS350 Ecureuil | Up to 5 | 340 NM | 136 kts | Single turbine | 35 cu ft |
| Airbus H135This aircraft | Up to 6 | 342 NM | 136 kts | Twin turbine | None |
| Robinson R44 | Up to 3 | 350 NM | 109 kts | Single piston | Under-seat only |
| Robinson R66 | Up to 4 | 350 NM | 110 kts | Single turbine | 18 cu ft |
| Airbus H120 | Up to 4 | 383 NM | 120 kts | Single turbine | 28 cu ft |
| Airbus AS355 Ecureuil 2 | Up to 5 | 395 NM | 120 kts | Twin turbine | 33 cu ft |
Chartering with Icarus Jet
How we charter the H135
We source H135s from operators vetted and approved for passenger transport, and the operator's name is on the quote. The desk checks the pilot's approvals, the landing sites at both ends and the weather minima for the flight before it checks availability, so the aircraft offered is one that genuinely fits the trip.
Quotes are all-in and itemised: aircraft and pilot, positioning, landing and handling, fuel and taxes, with nothing added after the flight that was not on the page. The number depends on where the nearest suitable helicopter is based, the dates and the landing sites, which is why we price your actual trip rather than publish a rate.
Questions
H135 questions the desk gets
How far can an H135 fly?
Airbus publishes 342 NM on the standard fuel tank, with no reserve stated, and 3 hours 36 minutes of endurance. Real flights keep a reserve, so the usable figure is lower. It still covers sectors such as Athens to Corfu at 214 NM.
How many passengers does an H135 carry?
Up to six with one pilot, or five with two pilots. The European type certificate allows up to seven in high-density seating, and the desk confirms the layout of the specific aircraft.
What is the seating like?
In the five-passenger layout Airbus mixes rear and forward-facing seats, so the cabin works for conversation or work. Wide sliding doors make boarding straightforward.
How much luggage fits in an H135?
Airbus does not publish a baggage volume for the current H135. The rear cargo area opens through two clamshell doors, and the desk confirms space with the operator once it knows your bag count and sizes.
Is the H135 better than a single-engine helicopter over water?
It has two engines and one-engine-inoperative capability, which Airbus notes as a plus for over-water island transfers. Single-engine types such as the H130 carry more baggage, so the desk will show you both where the trip allows.
Can the H135 fly in cloud?
Yes, when equipped with Helionix and the required IFR equipment, it is certified for single-pilot IFR. The desk confirms the equipment and the pilot's IFR approvals for the specific aircraft before it quotes.
What is the difference between the EC135 and the H135?
The EC135 ran through P1/T1 through P2+/T2+ and P3/T3 versions, with T models on Arrius engines and P models on Pratt and Whitney engines. The current Helionix-equipped T3H and P3H are marketed as the H135.
Related
Around the H135
Get your number
Charter the H135
Send the route, the dates and the passengers. The desk checks range and baggage against the trip, then comes back with the aircraft that genuinely fit and an itemised quote.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 888 277 7203. The desk is staffed 24/7.
Comparing aircraft? Browse the Aircraft Guides in the Aviation Library, 600+ guides on chartering and operations.