Not all helicopter types are created equal — and choosing the right one for your transfer can make a real difference to your experience. Whether you’re booking a shared seat on a scheduled route or chartering a private helicopter for a group, the aircraft matters.

At hoper, our helicopter fleet covers a wide range of models designed for different needs: from lightweight piston-engine helicopters ideal for quick island hops to twin-engine VIP aircraft built for comfort and range. This guide breaks down every category so you can understand what sets each helicopter type apart and find the one that fits your journey.

Shared flights currently operate across hoper’s Greek Shared Flights network, while private helicopter charters are available across all countries we serve — Greece, France, Italy, and Switzerland. All helicopter types listed in this guide can be booked directly through hoper’s online booking platform, with no phone calls, emails or quotes required.

Fleet for Shared Flights

Shared flights are the most accessible way to experience a helicopter transfer. Instead of chartering the entire aircraft, you book a seat on a scheduled departure — keeping costs low while still enjoying the speed and aerial views of a helicopter charter. These flights run on fixed schedules and use light helicopter types optimised for short-range efficiency.

Robinson R44 — Piston-Engine Helicopter

The Robinson R44 is one of the most widely used light helicopter types for short-haul shared transfers. It is powered by a Lycoming IO-540 six-cylinder piston engine, which makes it efficient and straightforward to operate.

The R44 seats up to 3 passengers alongside the pilot, with a combined passenger weight limit of approximately 220–270 kg.

Luggage allowance per passenger:

• 1 carry-on soft bag (up to 15 kg)
• 1 handbag

Best for: Solo travellers, couples, or anyone looking for the most budget-friendly helicopter transfer option.

Robinson R66 — Light Turbine Helicopter (Shared & Private)

The Robinson R66 is a step up in both technology and comfort. Unlike the piston-powered R44, it uses a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, delivering a smoother, quieter ride suitable for both shared and private flights.

The R66 carries up to 4 passengers (plus the pilot) and has a maximum gross weight of 1,225 kg, offering more generous payload capacity.

Luggage allowance:

• 4 handbags
• 4 carry-on soft bags (up to 15 kg each)
• 2 large bags (up to 25 kg each)

Best for: Travellers who want a turbine helicopter experience at a more accessible price point, whether on a shared schedule or a private booking.

Fleet for Private Flights

When you book a private helicopter charter, you take the entire aircraft. That means full control over the schedule, the route, and the experience.

Private helicopter types at hoper range from nimble light turbines to twin-engine premium aircraft — each suited to different group sizes, distances, and comfort expectations.

Light Turbine Helicopter Types for Private Transfers

These helicopter types are ideal for small groups looking for reliability and flexibility on short to medium routes.

Bell 206 JetRanger

The Bell 206 JetRanger is one of the most iconic and proven light turbine helicopter types in aviation history. It is powered by an Allison 250-C20 turboshaft engine. The 206 seats 4 passengers plus the pilot and has a strong track record across private charters and short-to-medium transfers worldwide.

Luggage: 4 handbags + 4 carry-on soft bags (15 kg) + 2 large bags (25 kg)

Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is one of the most modern light helicopter types available today. It is powered by a Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft engine with a dual-channel FADEC system, delivering smooth, reliable performance.

The 505 seats 4 passengers plus the pilot and features a flat-floor open cabin with a fully integrated Garmin G1000H glass cockpit — making it a popular choice for scenic private flights and island transfers.

Luggage: 3 large bags (25 kg) or 4 carry-on soft bags (15 kg)

Airbus H120 (Colibri)

The Airbus H120 — also known as the Colibri (“hummingbird”) — is powered by a Turbomeca Arrius 2F turboshaft engine producing 504 shp. It is widely regarded as one of the quietest helicopter types in its class, thanks to its distinctive Fenestron shrouded tail rotor.

Seating up to 4 passengers, it is an excellent choice for travellers who prioritise a smooth, low-vibration, low-noise ride.

Luggage: 3 small (≤15 kg, ≤1.40 m) or medium suitcases (15–32 kg, 1.41–2 m)

Mid-Size Helicopter Types for Groups and Families

When your group is larger or your route demands more payload, mid-size helicopter types offer the power and space to match. These high-performance single-engine turbine helicopters carry up to 5 passengers with significantly higher payload capacity than the light category. Stronger engines translate to better range, greater stability, and the ability to handle more demanding routes with ease.

Bell 407

The Bell 407 is a four-blade, single-engine turbine helicopter powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C47B turboshaft engine delivering 813 shp at takeoff. It seats up to 6 passengers plus the pilot (5 passengers in the standard transport configuration) and is known for its wide, comfortable cabin and excellent hot-and-high performance. With a range of up to 630 km and a cruise speed of 240 km/h, it is well suited for longer private transfers.

Luggage allowance: 5 soft bags or handbags (up to 15 kg each), or 3 cabin carry-on bags (up to 15 kg each)

Best for: Families, groups of up to 5, or anyone who needs a powerful, spacious helicopter for longer or more demanding routes.

Airbus H125

The Airbus H125 is a high-performance single-engine turbine helicopter powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine delivering 847 shp. One of the most versatile helicopter types in its class, it carries up to 5 passengers plus the pilot and is renowned for its exceptional hot-and-high performance — holding the world helicopter altitude record at 29,029 ft. Its wide cabin features three dedicated baggage compartments, offering practical storage for groups travelling with luggage.

Luggage: 2 medium suitcases (up to 20 kg each), or 3 hand luggage bags (up to 10 kg each)

Airbus H130

The Airbus H130 is an intermediate single-engine turbine helicopter powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine delivering 952 shp. Evolved from the H120 family, it is designed around passenger comfort, panoramic visibility, and low noise levels, making it one of the most popular helicopter types for sightseeing and premium private transfers.

The H130 accommodates up to 6–7 passengers plus the pilot and features a spacious flat-floor cabin with outstanding visibility through wide wraparound windows. Its Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and active vibration control system contribute to an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride.

Luggage: 5 soft bags or handbags (up to 15 kg each), or 3 medium suitcases (up to 20 kg each)

Best for: Groups and families who want a spacious, high-performance private charter.

Twin-Engine Helicopter Types for Premium Transfers

At the top of our helicopter fleet are twin-engine aircraft — the highest category of helicopter types we operate. Two engines provide an additional layer of safety, smoother operation, and the ability to carry more passengers at higher total weight limits. The cabins are quieter, the rides more stable, and every detail is designed around premium comfort.

Airbus H135

The Airbus H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter powered by either Safran Arrius 2B2 Plus or Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 engines.

It accommodates up to 6 passengers in standard transport configuration and is widely recognised as one of the quietest helicopters in its class. Its compact footprint allows it to access confined helipads while still delivering the safety redundancy of a twin-engine platform.

Luggage: 3-4 medium suitcases (15-32 kg each) or 5-6 small suitcases (≤ 15 kg each)

Best for: Passengers who want twin-engine safety and a quiet, refined cabin in a compact aircraft — ideal for city-centre helipad operations.

Bell 429

The Bell 429 is a modern twin-engine helicopter designed for premium corporate, VIP, and utility operations. Powered by dual Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D1/D2 turboshaft engines producing a combined takeoff power of approximately 1,438 shp, the Bell 429 delivers excellent speed, range, and redundancy.

It accommodates up to 6 passengers plus the pilot and features a spacious flat-floor cabin, large clamshell doors, and advanced IFR-certified avionics. With a cruise speed of up to 287 km/h and a range of approximately 690–760 km depending on configuration, it is one of the most capable helicopter types in the light twin-engine category.

Luggage: 5–6 soft bags or cabin carry-ons (up to 15 kg each), or 3–4 medium suitcases plus handbags

Best for: Executive travellers, families, or groups seeking twin-engine safety, high performance, and a spacious premium cabin for medium to long-range private transfers.

Best for: Passengers who want twin-engine safety and a quiet, refined cabin in a compact aircraft — ideal for city-centre helipad operations.

AgustaWestland AW109

The AgustaWestland AW109 is a sleek, Italian-designed twin-engine helicopter that seats up to 6 passengers (5 with two pilots) depending on the variant. Powered by dual Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C turboshaft engines producing approximately 1,470 shp combined, it reaches a cruise speed of 285 km/h and a range of up to 948 km — the highest performance figures of all models in our fleet.

Its retractable landing gear, refined leather cabin, and elegant profile make it the benchmark for VIP helicopter travel.

Luggage: 4 medium soft suitcases, or 2 hard cases plus small handbags

Best for: Executives, VIP travellers, or luxury groups who want the fastest, most refined helicopter transfer experience available.

Helicopter Types: Passenger Capacity & Luggage Space

One of the key differences between helicopter types is how much they can carry. Here’s a quick overview:

• Robinson R44: 3 passengers, combined weight limit 220–270 kg, 1 soft bag + 1 handbag per person
• Robinson R66: 4 passengers, max gross weight 1,225 kg, carry-on bags + 2 large bags (25 kg)
• Bell 206 JetRanger: 4 passengers, 4 carry-on bags + 2 large bags (25 kg)
• Bell 505 / Airbus H120: 4 passengers, flexible luggage configurations including suitcases
• Bell 407 / Airbus H125: 5 passengers, significantly higher payload, more total luggage
• Airbus H130: 5-6 passengers, spacious flat-floor cabin, 5 soft bags or 3 medium suitcases
• Airbus H135 / Bell 429/ Agusta AW109: Up to 6 passengers, highest weight limits, premium VIP configuration

If you’re unsure which helicopter type fits your group’s luggage needs, our team can advise based on your specific transfer details.

Range & Performance Differences Between Helicopter Types

Beyond capacity, helicopter types differ significantly in range, engine power, and operational capability:

• Piston-engine helicopters (R44) are best suited to shorter routes and lower altitudes. They’re efficient but more limited than turbine models.
• Light turbine helicopters (R66, Bell 206, Bell 505, H120) handle medium-range routes with greater reliability, better altitude performance, and smoother operation.
• Mid-size turbines (Bell 407, H125) extend range further and handle more demanding routes across varied terrain.
• Intermediate single-engine helicopters like the Airbus H130 combine higher passenger capacity with low vibration and quieter cabins, making them ideal for scenic and premium private transfers.
• Twin-engine aircraft (H135, Bell 429,AgustaWestland AW109) deliver the greatest range, stability, and safety redundancy — the preferred helicopter types for premium long-distance or VIP transfers.

Understanding these differences helps you match the right helicopter type to your journey — not just the distance, but the terrain, group size, and the experience you’re looking for.

Which Helicopter Type Is Right for You?

The best helicopter type depends entirely on your needs. For a solo island hop on a budget, a shared Robinson R44 or R66 flight gets you there efficiently. For a family or small group wanting privacy and flexibility, a private Bell 505 or Bell 407 offers far more room and comfort. And if the journey itself is part of the experience — or you’re travelling for business at the highest level — a twin-engine charter on the H135 or AgustaWestland AW109 is the clear choice.

All helicopter types in our fleet are available to book online through hoper’s booking platform. Browse the full fleet, compare aircraft, and reserve your flight in minutes. Find out more about hoper and how we match every passenger to the right aircraft for their journey.