airbus-as350-b3

service

Airbus AS350 B3 Helicopter Specifications and Charter Rates

The Airbus AS350 B3 is a high-performance single-engine helicopter that stands out for its agility, speed, and ability to land where traditional aircraft cannot. Designed to carry up to six passengers, it excels at point-to-point travel in both urban and remote environments, offering a cruise speed of 155 mph and a range of over 400 miles. Since its introduction, the AS350 B3 has become an icon in executive charter, VIP transfer, and utility missions due to its comfort, visibility, and remarkably smooth ride.


Helicopter travelers choose the AS350 B3 for its efficiency, unmatched versatility, and capability to reach exclusive destinations—mountaintops, yachts, city helipads, and beyond—without sacrificing luxury or convenience. This profile details its unique features, cabin layout, real-world range, typical charter pricing, and the most common questions asked by discerning flyers.

jettly
service

Airbus AS350 B3 Overview

The Airbus AS350 B3 defines the modern light helicopter class, prized for its powerful performance, compact footprint, and adaptability. Seating up to six passengers, this model features a spacious, flexible cabin with large windows for panoramic views, making it ideal for sightseeing and executive shuttle alike. The proven Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine delivers the muscle needed for high-altitude operations and rapid climbs, with a service ceiling that outpaces many rivals.


Operators value the B3 for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and ability to handle a wide range of missions—from aerial survey and medical evacuation to VIP transfers. For private flyers, it offers the freedom to bypass congestion, land closer to your final destination, and enjoy a truly customized travel experience in safety and style.


This helicopter’s advanced avionics, low operating costs, and strong safety record make it a sought-after choice for discerning clients who demand both performance and value.

jettly

Airbus AS350 B3 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 pilot

Range:

Approximately 411 nautical miles (around 473 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

133 knots (about 155 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 120 knots

Service ceiling:

23000 fee

Engines:

Single Turbomeca Arriel 2B turbine

Thrust:

Roughly lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 0 feet

Landing distance:

About 0 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 50 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 4 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1990s

airbus-as350-b3

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-as350-b3

Airbus AS350 B3 Range and Performance

With a range of approximately 411 miles, the AS350 B3 easily links major cities to remote resorts, private estates, and adventure destinations, all without the need for runways. Typical routes include Los Angeles to Palm Springs, Manhattan to the Hamptons, or Geneva to Courchevel, each flown non-stop in under two hours. | Its powerful engine and 23,000-foot ceiling enable breathtaking mountain landings and hot-and-high operations, while the helicopter’s compact size allows access to helipads, yachts, and exclusive venues off-limits to jets. A cruise speed of 155 mph ensures quick, efficient transfers across regions, minimizing travel time and maximizing convenience for business or leisure. | The AS350 B3’s fuel efficiency and flexible mission profile make it a standout for city hops, countryside escapes, and aerial tours alike, delivering door-to-door journeys that commercial flights simply cannot match.

airbus-as350-b3

Airbus AS350 B3 Cabin Experience and Interior

The AS350 B3’s cabin boasts generous headroom, wide doors, and wrap-around windows for immersive views and a relaxing in-flight atmosphere. Typically arranged for five passengers in executive comfort, with the option to seat six, it provides plush, ergonomic seating and a quiet, climate-controlled environment. | The flexible cabin configuration is perfect for both business and leisure, with ample legroom and the ability to accommodate specialty equipment or extra luggage for shorter getaways. | A dedicated luggage compartment accepts up to 4 cubic feet, ideal for personal bags or compact gear. For business travelers, the smooth, vibration-damped ride allows for work on the go; for leisure guests, the panoramic vistas transform travel into a memorable experience.

Airbus AS350 B3 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

laptop
A black and white image of an airplane.

Chartering a Airbus AS350 B3 typically runs in the range of $1800 to $2600 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.

A black and white image of an airplane.

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.

A black and white image of an airplane.

Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Airbus AS350 B3 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 AS350 B3?

The Airbus AS350 B3 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

icon

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

icon

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

icon

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

icon

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

icon

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

While not designed for long-range or overwater flights, the AS350 B3 is the premier choice for short-haul luxury travel, rapid city connections, and unique bespoke journeys to destinations inaccessible by jet. For clients seeking speed, exclusivity, and the freedom to land on their own terms, no other helicopter matches its blend of performance and comfort.

service

How the Airbus AS350 B3 Compares to Other Helicopter

The Airbus AS350 B3 traces its roots to the pioneering AStar family, which debuted in the late 1970s and quickly set the standard for light utility helicopters worldwide. Launched as the high-performance variant, the B3 was introduced in the late 1990s to deliver even greater power, reliability, and versatility, instantly becoming a favorite for both private and commercial operators.


Key advancements included the integration of the Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine and a glass cockpit, pushing the envelope for altitude and lifting capability. Over the years, the B3 has become synonymous with record-breaking achievements—such as the historic landing on Mount Everest’s summit—demonstrating its unmatched prowess in extreme environments. Today, it remains the helicopter of choice for those who demand a proven blend of innovation, safety, and style.

jettly

Airbus AS350 B3 History and Background

The Airbus AS350 B3 traces its roots to the pioneering AStar family, which debuted in the late 1970s and quickly set the standard for light utility helicopters worldwide. Launched as the high-performance variant, the B3 was introduced in the late 1990s to deliver even greater power, reliability, and versatility, instantly becoming a favorite for both private and commercial operators.


Key advancements included the integration of the Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine and a glass cockpit, pushing the envelope for altitude and lifting capability. Over the years, the B3 has become synonymous with record-breaking achievements—such as the historic landing on Mount Everest’s summit—demonstrating its unmatched prowess in extreme environments. Today, it remains the helicopter of choice for those who demand a proven blend of innovation, safety, and style.

plan

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Airbus AS350 B3 Carry?

The AS350 B3 is typically configured to seat up to five passengers in executive style, with the option to accommodate a sixth in a forward-facing seat. The flexible cabin layout adapts to small groups, making it ideal for VIP charters, sightseeing, or quick transfers.

What Is the Range of the Airbus AS350 B3?

The Airbus AS350 B3 has a range of approximately 411 nautical miles, or roughly 473 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 AS350 B3 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 133 knots (about 155 mph), with a long-range cruise near 120 knots. The aircraft's 23000-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 AS350 B3?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $1800 and $2600 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 AS350 B3 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The helicopter’s cabin offers generous headroom and expansive windows, allowing passengers to move comfortably and enjoy panoramic views during flight. The luggage compartment can hold up to 4 cubic feet, accommodating personal bags and compact gear.

Is the Airbus AS350 B3 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

Yes, for most regional routes. The AS350 B3 easily covers city-to-resort hops like Manhattan to the Hamptons, or Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, with range to spare. For longer legs, a brief stop may be needed, as is typical for helicopters in this class.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Airbus AS350 B3 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 AS350 B3, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo