What is the annual operating cost of an Airbus AS350?

For 100 hours/year, expect $140,000–$170,000 in total operating costs. Single-engine commercial helicopters offer altitude performance and reliability; costs reflect specialized helicopter economics.

How much fuel does Airbus AS350 burn?

Turbomeca Arriel turbine burns 65–80 gal/hr cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $357–$440/hour.

What is Airbus AS350 engine TBO?

Turbomeca Arriel: 3,500 hours TBO; $65,000–$85,000 overhaul. Engine reserve $19–$24/hour.

How much does Airbus AS350 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $8,000–$12,000 for $1,500,000–$2,000,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance an Airbus AS350?

Yes. A $1,800,000 AS350 at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$26,500/month ($318,000/year).

What is Airbus AS350 altitude capability?

Maximum altitude 20,000+ ft. Industry-standard single-engine for high-altitude operations.

How does AS350 compare to Robinson R66?

AS350 larger payload and altitude; R66 lighter and more economical. Both excellent single-engine turbines.

What is Airbus AS350 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$458,000–$488,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11 (loan paid): ~$140,000–$170,000/year.

What maintenance does AS350 require?

Annual inspections $4,000–$6,000, rotor system maintenance $2,000–$3,500/year. Budget $35–$50/hour maintenance.

Is Airbus AS350 good for mountain operations?

Yes. Industry-standard for high-altitude and mountain rescue. Altitude and performance justify premium pricing.

The True Operating Cost of Airbus AS350

The Airbus AS350 is the industry-standard single-engine commercial helicopter offering 20,000+ foot altitude capability, exceptional reliability, and multi-mission flexibility. Plan for $140,000–$170,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,400–$1,700 per hour. The AS350 dominates mountain rescue, tourism, and specialized operations with unmatched altitude performance and operational versatility.

Quick Specs: Airbus AS350 B3e

Specification	AS350 B3e
Engine	1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2D (850 shp turboprop)
Fuel Burn	65–80 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	120–135 mph
Service Ceiling	20,000+ ft
Useful Load	2,600–2,900 lbs
Seats	6–7
Range	500–600 nm

TL;DR: Airbus AS350 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $45,000–$60,000/year (insurance $8,000–$12,000, hangar $12,000–$16,000, annuals $4,000–$6,000, rotor checks)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $95,000–$110,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $140,000–$170,000/year (~$1,400–$1,700/hour)
Finance a $1,800,000 AS350: Add $26,500/month ($318,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$110,000–$140,000/year (~$2,200–$2,800/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$235,000–$280,000/year (~$1,175–$1,400/hour)

Commercial Single-Engine Helicopter Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $8,000–$12,000/year for $1,500,000–$2,000,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
Hangar: $12,000–$16,000/year (commercial helicopter facility)
Annual inspection: $4,000–$6,000 labor (single-engine rotor system)
Rotor system checks: $2,000–$3,500/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 72.5 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$398/hour
Oil and hydraulic fluid: $6–$10/hour
Engine reserve: $19–$24/hour ($70K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
Rotor blade maintenance: $25–$35/hour
Helicopter maintenance: $35–$50/hour (transmission, systems)
Landing fees: $20–$60/landing

Jet-A Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	3,625	$19,937	$398
100	7,250	$39,875	$398
150	10,875	$59,812	$398
200	14,500	$79,750	$398

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Turbomeca Arriel 2D Engine

Arriel 2D: 3,500 hours TBO per engine
Overhaul cost: $72,000–$88,000
Engine reserve: $80,000 ÷ 3,500 = $23/hour
Reliability: Proven turboshaft technology with excellent support

Commercial Helicopter Maintenance

Main rotor blade inspection: $1,500–$2,500/year
Transmission service: $2,000–$3,000/year
Hydraulic system flush: $1,000–$1,500/year
Tail rotor maintenance: $800–$1,200/year
Budget: $60–$80/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Commercial Helicopter Insurance

$1,500,000 hull, 500+ hours, commercial: $8,000–$10,000/year
$2,000,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $11,000–$13,000/year
High-altitude operations: +30–50% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Commercial Hangar	$1,000–$1,350	$12,000–$16,200
Outdoor Tie-Down	$300–$600	$3,600–$7,200

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$52,500	$52,500	$105,000	$2,100
100	$52,500	$105,000	$157,500	$1,575
200	$52,500	$210,000	$262,500	$1,312

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $1,800,000 Airbus AS350, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $318,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$157,500	$318,000	$475,500	$4,755
200	$262,500	$318,000	$580,500	$2,903

Financing the Airbus AS350

Purchase price: $1,200,000–$2,200,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $1,000,000–$1,850,000
Term: 10–15 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $15,500–$29,000

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial helicopter rated, $300,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $1.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support commercial helicopter financing for rescue, tourism, and specialty operators.

Airbus AS350 vs. Competitors

vs. Robinson R66: AS350 larger payload and altitude; R66 lighter and cheaper
vs. Airbus AS365: AS365 twin-engine heavier; AS350 single-engine lighter
vs. Bell 407: Bell faster; AS350 better altitude performance

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Sources: Airbus Helicopters Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS