The True Operating Cost of Airbus H145
The Airbus H145 is a premium twin-engine helicopter offering 10-seat capacity, exceptional reliability, and high-altitude capability. Plan for $340,000–$440,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $3,400–$4,400 per hour. The H145 dominates air ambulance markets.
Quick Specs: Airbus H145
| Specification | H145 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 2E (870 shp each) |
| Fuel Burn | 110–130 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 140–170 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 5,400–6,200 lbs |
| Seats | 10 |
| Range | 400–600 nm |
TL;DR: Airbus H145 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $180,000–$240,000/year (insurance $85,000–$125,000, hangar $60,000–$80,000, annuals $25,000–$35,000, crew)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $160,000–$200,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $340,000–$440,000/year (~$3,400–$4,400/hour)
- Finance a $12,000,000 H145: Add $210,000/month ($2,520,000/year) at 6.5% over 12 years
- At 50 hours: ~$250,000–$340,000/year (~$5,000–$6,800/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$500,000–$640,000/year (~$2,500–$3,200/hour)
Twin-Engine Helicopter Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $85,000–$125,000/year for $8M–$12M hull
- Hangar: $60,000–$80,000/year (helicopter facility)
- Annual inspection: $25,000–$35,000 labor
- Crew training: $10,000–$15,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 120 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$660/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $25–$40/hour
- Engine reserves: $55–$75/hour ($280K per engine ÷ 3,600 TBO × 2)
- Maintenance: $150–$250/hour
- Landing fees: $150–$400/landing
- Avionics: $50–$100/hour
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 6,000 | $33,000 | $660 |
| 100 | 12,000 | $66,000 | $660 |
| 150 | 18,000 | $99,000 | $660 |
| 200 | 24,000 | $132,000 | $660 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Turbomeca Arriel 2E Engines
- Arriel 2E: 3,600 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $140,000–$180,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $320,000 ÷ 3,600 = $88.89/hour
- Reliability: Proven helicopter engine with excellent support
Twin-Engine Helicopter Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $35,000–$50,000/year
- Rotor system service: $20,000–$30,000/year
- Transmission service: $15,000–$25,000/year
- Avionics: $10,000–$15,000/year
- Budget: $300–$450/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Twin-Engine Insurance
- $8,000,000 hull: $85,000–$105,000/year
- $12,000,000 hull: $120,000–$155,000/year
- Air ambulance operations: +30–50% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter Hangar | $5,000–$6,500 | $60,000–$78,000 |
| Tie-Down | $1,500–$2,500 | $18,000–$30,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $210,000 | $110,000 | $320,000 | $6,400 |
| 100 | $210,000 | $220,000 | $430,000 | $4,300 |
| 200 | $210,000 | $440,000 | $650,000 | $3,250 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $12,000,000 Airbus H145, 6.5% APR, 12 years = $2,520,000/year.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $430,000 | $2,520,000 | $2,950,000 | $29,500 |
| 200 | $650,000 | $2,520,000 | $3,170,000 | $15,850 |
Financing the Airbus H145
- Purchase price: $10,000,000–$16,000,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $8,500,000–$13,600,000
- Term: 12–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $175,000–$385,000
Lender Requirements: 700+ credit, helicopter experience, $2,000,000+ net worth, detailed flight plan, hull insurance $8M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support helicopter financing.
Airbus H145 vs. Competitors
- vs. Sikorsky S-76: H145 lighter; S-76 larger capacity
- vs. Bell 429: H145 more altitude capable; 429 comparable twin
Get prequalified for helicopter financing »
Sources: Airbus Helicopters Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS