agusta-aw189

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Agusta AW189 Helicopter Specifications and Charter Rates

The Agusta AW189 is a twin-engine, super-medium helicopter designed for VIP, offshore, and utility missions, accommodating up to 19 passengers in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin while cruising at 147 knots with a range of nearly 500 nautical miles. Introduced in the early 2010s, the AW189 sets a new benchmark in safety, comfort, and operational reach for clients who require efficient, direct access to remote sites, city helipads, or exclusive destinations.


Luxury travelers and corporate executives select the AW189 for its advanced avionics, class-leading cabin size, and unmatched flexibility, making it the preferred rotorcraft for swift regional connections, event transfers, and bespoke charters. This page outlines the AW189’s full capabilities, interior features, real-world range, charter pricing, and answers to the most common questions from discerning flyers.

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Agusta AW189 Overview

Purpose-built for versatility, the Agusta AW189 is a super-medium helicopter engineered to deliver the perfect balance of speed, payload, and in-flight comfort. It typically seats up to 16 passengers in a VIP configuration, surrounded by premium materials, advanced soundproofing, and panoramic windows. Twin GE CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines provide the thrust for rapid climb rates and a service ceiling of 15,000 feet, allowing the AW189 to operate safely above challenging terrain and variable weather.


What distinguishes the AW189 in the charter market is its ability to combine long range with class-leading interior volume, delivering private-jet levels of comfort and a smooth ride even on demanding routes. Its modular design adapts to diverse missions, making it the rotorcraft of choice for business, leisure, or critical transport.


Operators and clients trust the AW189 for its robust reliability, advanced safety systems, and low operating costs. For private aviation users, this translates to direct, point-to-point access, swift boarding, and a refined cabin—redefining what’s possible in premium helicopter travel.

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Agusta AW189 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 16 (typical), 19 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 939 nautical miles (around 1080 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

147 knots (about 169 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 132 knots

Service ceiling:

15000 fee

Engines:

Two GE CT7-2E1 turboshafts

Thrust:

Roughly 2500 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1640 feet

Landing distance:

About 1480 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 110 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 5.5 cubic feet

First delivered:

2014

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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.

agusta-aw189

Agusta AW189 Range and Performance

With a range of up to 500 nautical miles, the Agusta AW189 delivers nonstop performance for regional and offshore routes, effortlessly connecting city centers, remote estates, or island destinations without refueling. Routes such as London to Paris, Nice to Milan, or New York to the Hamptons are completed swiftly, with the flexibility to reach helipads inaccessible to fixed-wing aircraft. | The AW189’s 147-knot high-speed cruise ensures efficient transfers, while its 15,000-foot ceiling allows for smooth flight above most weather and urban congestion. Short takeoff and landing capability gives direct access to urban helipads or limited-access sites, minimizing ground transfer times for ultimate convenience. | Twin GE engines deliver reliable power and climb, while advanced avionics and redundant safety systems provide peace of mind on every mission. For time-sensitive or high-profile itineraries, the AW189 offers a seamless, door-to-door experience beyond the reach of traditional private jets.

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Agusta AW189 Cabin Experience and Interior

The AW189 sets a new standard in the helicopter class with its expansive, stand-up cabin—nearly 7 feet wide and over 6 feet tall—offering true comfort and mobility for all guests. The VIP configuration features plush, individually adjustable seats arranged in a club layout, ample legroom, and large windows for panoramic views. | Cabin amenities include climate control, adjustable lighting, and advanced sound insulation for a quiet, relaxing environment. Many AW189s offer in-flight Wi-Fi, power outlets, and integrated entertainment, ensuring productivity and comfort on every journey. | With 5.5 cubic feet of luggage space, the AW189 can accommodate business essentials or weekend travel gear. For executives and leisure groups alike, the refined interior transforms helicopter travel into a luxurious, memorable part of the trip.

Agusta AW189 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Agusta AW189 typically runs in the range of $7500 to $9500 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 EASA/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 Agusta AW189 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 Agusta AW189?

The Agusta AW189 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 not suited for long transcontinental flights or heavy-cargo operations, the AW189 excels for quick, premium transfers between key locations, especially where speed, accessibility, and comfort are paramount. For groups of up to 16, it is the ultimate choice for direct access to helipads, remote events, or luxury resorts, making city congestion and airport delays a thing of the past.

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How the Agusta AW189 Compares to Other Helicopter

The Agusta AW189 was unveiled by Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) in 2011, entering service in 2014 as the flagship of a new generation of super-medium helicopters. Drawing on decades of Italian engineering expertise, the AW189 was designed to meet the demanding needs of offshore, search and rescue, and executive clients seeking greater range, safety, and comfort in a single platform.


Innovations such as advanced avionics, composite rotor blades, and a modular cabin established the AW189 as a leader in operational flexibility and passenger experience. Its proven service record includes VIP and corporate transport, as well as critical support for energy and emergency sectors worldwide.


Today, the AW189 is recognized for its reliability, operational readiness, and the ability to deliver five-star comfort in both urban and remote environments—qualities that have secured its place as the preferred super-medium helicopter for discerning charter clients.

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Agusta AW189 History and Background

The Agusta AW189 was unveiled by Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) in 2011, entering service in 2014 as the flagship of a new generation of super-medium helicopters. Drawing on decades of Italian engineering expertise, the AW189 was designed to meet the demanding needs of offshore, search and rescue, and executive clients seeking greater range, safety, and comfort in a single platform.


Innovations such as advanced avionics, composite rotor blades, and a modular cabin established the AW189 as a leader in operational flexibility and passenger experience. Its proven service record includes VIP and corporate transport, as well as critical support for energy and emergency sectors worldwide.


Today, the AW189 is recognized for its reliability, operational readiness, and the ability to deliver five-star comfort in both urban and remote environments—qualities that have secured its place as the preferred super-medium helicopter for discerning charter clients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Agusta AW189 Carry?

The Agusta AW189 typically carries up to 16 passengers in a VIP configuration, with a maximum capacity of 19 for shuttle operations. The spacious stand-up cabin allows for comfortable, club-style seating and easy movement during flight.

What Is the Range of the Agusta AW189?

The Agusta AW189 has a range of approximately 939 nautical miles, or roughly 1080 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 Agusta AW189 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 147 knots (about 169 mph), with a long-range cruise near 132 knots. The aircraft's 15000-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 Agusta AW189?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $7500 and $9500 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 Agusta AW189 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The AW189’s stand-up cabin offers generous headroom and width, allowing passengers to move freely, socialize, or work while enjoying panoramic window views. The helicopter also features a private lavatory option and dedicated luggage area for guest convenience.

Is the Agusta AW189 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional missions, absolutely. The AW189 can cover routes such as London to Paris or New York to the Hamptons nonstop, and its range and payload make it ideal for luxury, point-to-point transfers where time and flexibility are key.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Agusta AW189 jets operated by vetted EASA/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 Agusta AW189, 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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