Airbus AS355 Écureuil

“The Airbus AS355 Écureuil combines the proven design of the AS350 with twin-engine safety, making it a trusted choice for VIP transfers across short and medium distances.”

Airbus AS355 Écureuil twin engine helicopter on runway, seating up to 5 passengers with 700 km range
Airbus AS355 Écureuil VIP cabin with panoramic windows, seating for 4 to 5 passengers

Introduction & Fun Facts

The Airbus AS355 Écureuil (also known as Twin Squirrel) is the twin-engine evolution of the AS350. It offers the same versatility, agility and visibility but with the added redundancy and safety of dual engines, making it especially valued for flights over water and mountainous terrain.

Its reliability, compact size and scenic cabin views make it a favorite for short-range luxury transfers, sightseeing, and accessing destinations where jets cannot land.

Cabin & Comfort

  • Seats, 5 passengers with 1 pilot, or 4 passengers with 2 pilots

  • Cabin Dimensions, 2.35 m (7 ft 9 in) length × 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) width × 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) height

  • Luggage Capacity, up to 4 medium soft suitcases or a mix of carry-ons and skis

  • Layout, VIP seating with panoramic side windows

  • Lavatory, None

The cabin is bright and compact, making it especially suitable for short luxury transfers to resorts, coastal areas and helipads in urban locations.

Performance & Specs

  • Range, 700 km (≈ 435 mi, 378 nm), around 2.5 to 3 hours of flight

  • Cruising Speed, 230 km/h (≈ 143 mph)

  • Engine, Twin-engine (Safran/Turbomeca Arrius or Allison variants depending on model)

  • Take off Distance, Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), requires helipad or clear landing zone

  • Maximum Ceiling, 4,500 m (14,800 ft)

Popular Routes & Prices

The AS355 is widely chosen for luxury leisure transfers and short intercity hops.

  • Monaco to Florence, from 4,500 EUR

  • Nice to Portofino, from 4,800 EUR

  • Geneva to Lugano, from 4,200 EUR

Prices are indicative, subject to helicopter positioning, weather and seasonality.

Why Choose the AS355 Écureuil

  • Added safety of twin engines, ideal for flights over water and mountainous regions

  • Proven reliability with excellent handling

  • Scenic cabin with large windows for sightseeing

  • Perfect for quick, stylish transfers to resorts and cities

Technical Data

  • Aircraft Type, Twin-engine helicopter

  • Manufacturer, Airbus Helicopters

  • Range, 700 km (435 mi, 378 nm)

  • Cruise Speed, 230 km/h (143 mph)

  • Seats, 5 passengers with 1 pilot, or 4 passengers with 2 pilots

  • Cabin Dimensions, 2.35 m × 1.62 m × 1.25 m (7 ft 9 in × 5 ft 4 in × 4 ft 1 in)

  • Luggage Capacity, 4 medium soft suitcases or mix of carry-ons and skis

  • Lavatory, None