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Kawasaki BK 117 Helicopter Specifications and Charter Rates

The Kawasaki BK 117 is a versatile twin-engine helicopter renowned for its exceptional maneuverability and reliability, making it a preferred choice for both executive transport and specialized operations. With the ability to carry up to eight passengers and a cruising speed of 127 knots, it seamlessly combines agility with comfort for short to mid-range flights.


Ideal for accessing remote destinations, luxury resorts, or urban centers where fixed-wing aircraft cannot land, the BK 117 offers a premium rotary-wing solution for travelers who demand flexibility and efficiency. This profile covers detailed specifications, cabin features, real-world range, indicative charter pricing, and essential insights for discerning flyers considering a helicopter charter.

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Kawasaki BK 117 Overview

The Kawasaki BK 117 stands out in the light twin-engine helicopter class, striking an excellent balance between operational versatility, cabin space, and performance. Typically configured for up to eight passengers, the BK 117 features a spacious, unobstructed cabin that accommodates executive seating, stretchers, or specialized equipment, depending on mission requirements. Its twin Turbomeca Arriel engines provide the power and reliability needed to operate confidently in challenging environments, with a maximum altitude of 18,000 feet.


One of the BK 117’s major advantages is its ability to land in confined spaces and remote locations, thanks to a compact footprint and advanced rotor technology. This makes it exceptionally valuable for luxury charters, VIP transfers, and critical medical missions alike, providing a level of accessibility that fixed-wing aircraft cannot match.


Operators appreciate the BK 117’s proven safety record, straightforward maintenance, and robust global support network. For private flyers, these advantages translate to dependable service, maximum flexibility, and the ability to reach exclusive destinations with ease and comfort.

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Kawasaki BK 117 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 7 (typical), 8 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 500 nautical miles (around 575 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

127 knots (about 146 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 120 knots

Service ceiling:

18000 fee

Engines:

Two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshafts

Thrust:

Roughly lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1150 feet

Landing distance:

About 1050 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 80 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 2.5 cubic feet

First delivered:

Early 1980s

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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.

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Kawasaki BK 117 Range and Performance

With a maximum range of 500 nautical miles, the Kawasaki BK 117 is perfect for regional flights, resort transfers, and point-to-point city hops. Typical routes might include Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, Miami to the Keys, or transfers between helipads in metropolitan areas and secluded estates. | The BK 117's 127-knot cruise speed ensures swift transit times, while its vertical takeoff and landing capability allows direct access to locations that are inaccessible to fixed-wing aircraft. For most charters, the ability to bypass ground congestion and arrive right where you need to be is a major advantage. | The aircraft’s compact footprint and twin-engine redundancy mean it can operate safely from rooftop helipads, private properties, and even remote wilderness sites. With a fuel burn of approximately 80 gallons per hour, the BK 117 delivers impressive efficiency for a helicopter in its class, offering both speed and flexibility on every mission.

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Kawasaki BK 117 Cabin Experience and Interior

The BK 117’s roomy, high-visibility cabin is among its standout features, providing a bright, welcoming environment for up to eight passengers. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, offering panoramic views for every seat—ideal for sightseeing charters or executive transfers. | Executive seating can be arranged in a club or forward-facing configuration, with ample legroom and easy cabin access. Soundproofing and smooth ride characteristics minimize noise and vibration, ensuring a comfortable journey even in challenging conditions. | A separate baggage compartment of 2.5 cubic feet accommodates personal items and soft luggage, while optional upgrades like air conditioning, in-flight communication systems, and luxury finishes elevate the onboard experience. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the BK 117’s cabin transforms short flights into memorable journeys.

Kawasaki BK 117 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Kawasaki BK 117 typically runs in the range of $2700 to $3700 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 Kawasaki BK 117 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 Kawasaki BK 117?

The Kawasaki BK 117 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 it is not designed for long-range journeys or heavy cargo, the BK 117 excels at short and medium-haul missions where speed, flexibility, and accessibility are paramount. For groups of up to eight who value privacy, convenience, and the ability to land directly at their destination, this helicopter is the ultimate solution.

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How the Kawasaki BK 117 Compares to Other Helicopter

The Kawasaki BK 117 was developed in the late 1970s as a collaborative effort between Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Germany’s Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), with its first flight in 1979 and market introduction in the early 1980s. The goal was to create a multi-role helicopter capable of fulfilling demanding civilian, emergency, and VIP missions.


Key technological advancements included a rigid rotor system for superior maneuverability and reduced maintenance, as well as a modular cabin adaptable to a wide range of layouts. The design proved so successful that it spawned a series of upgrades and variants, including the EC145, which remains in production under Airbus Helicopters today.


With thousands of units in service worldwide, the BK 117’s legacy is one of reliability, adaptability, and performance, making it a trusted platform for luxury charter operators and critical services alike.

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Kawasaki BK 117 History and Background

The Kawasaki BK 117 was developed in the late 1970s as a collaborative effort between Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Germany’s Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), with its first flight in 1979 and market introduction in the early 1980s. The goal was to create a multi-role helicopter capable of fulfilling demanding civilian, emergency, and VIP missions.


Key technological advancements included a rigid rotor system for superior maneuverability and reduced maintenance, as well as a modular cabin adaptable to a wide range of layouts. The design proved so successful that it spawned a series of upgrades and variants, including the EC145, which remains in production under Airbus Helicopters today.


With thousands of units in service worldwide, the BK 117’s legacy is one of reliability, adaptability, and performance, making it a trusted platform for luxury charter operators and critical services alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Kawasaki BK 117 Carry?

The BK 117 is typically configured for seven to eight passengers, with a spacious modular cabin that can be arranged to suit executive, medical, or VIP transport needs. Flexible seating options make it a versatile choice for both business and leisure groups.

What Is the Range of the Kawasaki BK 117?

The Kawasaki BK 117 has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles, or roughly 575 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 Kawasaki BK 117 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 127 knots (about 146 mph), with a long-range cruise near 120 knots. The aircraft's 18000-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 Kawasaki BK 117?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2700 and $3700 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 Kawasaki BK 117 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The cabin offers excellent headroom and wide doors for easy boarding and movement, while large windows ensure every seat has a view. The dedicated baggage compartment holds up to 2.5 cubic feet, accommodating soft luggage for all passengers.

Is the Kawasaki BK 117 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and city-to-resort flights, absolutely. The BK 117’s range and speed are ideal for trips like Los Angeles to Palm Springs or Manhattan to the Hamptons, with the added benefit of direct point-to-point access.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Kawasaki BK 117 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 Kawasaki BK 117, 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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