How much does an Esquilo (AStar) helicopter cost: new and used prices (AS350 B2, B3 and H125) and what drives value

A new Esquilo, now sold as the Airbus H125, starts at about US$ 3.3 million before options and can exceed US$ 4 million with mission equipment. Used AS350 B2 and AS350 B3 helicopters are typically advertised at about US$ 1.5 to 1.8 million, depending on year, hours and the status of the engine and inspections (approx., 2025–2026 references). Below: price ranges by version, what makes an Esquilo worth more or less, what it costs to keep one and when chartering is the better choice.

Price ranges by version (approx., in US dollars)

Version	Condition	Price range
Airbus H125	new, before options	from about US$ 3.3 million
Airbus H125	new, with mission equipment	can exceed US$ 4 million
Airbus H125	used, a few years old (e.g. 2018 with about 800 hours)	about US$ 3.2 million
AS350 B3	used (e.g. 2011 with more than 4,000 hours)	about US$ 1.75 to 1.8 million
AS350 B2	used (aircraft from the 2000s)	about US$ 1.5 to 1.7 million

Listing prices and market references from 2025–2026, in US dollars. In Brazil, the price in reais depends on the exchange rate, taxes when the aircraft is imported and registration with ANAC, the civil aviation authority.

What makes an Esquilo worth more or less

Version and engine: the AS350 B2 uses the Arriel 1D1; the AS350 B3 and H125 use the Arriel 2, with more power in heat and at altitude.
Total hours and the time left before the engine and component overhauls.
Calendar inspections up to date, such as the 12-year inspection.
Enrolment in an engine maintenance programme, which helps resale.
The installed avionics and autopilot.
Mission kits (cargo hook, floats, air conditioning) and a damage-free history.

What it costs to keep an Esquilo

Beyond the purchase price, the owner pays for the hangar, insurance, pilot and training, jet fuel, scheduled maintenance and reserves for the engine and components. For someone who flies only a few hours a year, the hourly cost of owning tends to be high, and chartering usually works out cheaper.

Esquilo quick facts

Item	Esquilo (AS350 B2 / H125)
Passengers	up to 5, plus the pilot
Engine	one Safran Arriel turboshaft (1D1 on the B2; 2D with FADEC on the H125)
Cruise	about 225 to 245 km/h
Endurance	about 4 hours on full tanks
Production in Brazil	Helibras, in Itajubá (Minas Gerais), since 1978

Approximate figures; they vary with version, configuration, weight and flight conditions.

Buy or charter?

Buying makes sense for frequent, predictable use, with a hangar and crew in place.
Chartering makes sense for occasional trips: you pay only for the flight, with aircraft and crew from an ANAC-certified operator.
In a charter, the price is per aircraft, based on flight time and positioning the helicopter to your origin.
For scenic flights, there are Esquilo packages with a fixed price per flight.

FAQ: Esquilo helicopter price

How much does a new Esquilo cost?

From about US$ 3.3 million for the Airbus H125, before options; with mission equipment it can exceed US$ 4 million (approx.).

And a used Esquilo?

A used AS350 B2 is typically advertised at about US$ 1.5 to 1.7 million, and an AS350 B3 at about US$ 1.75 to 1.8 million, depending on year, hours and maintenance (approx.).

Is the Esquilo a twin-engine helicopter?

No. The AS350 and H125 are single-engine; the twin-engine version is a different model, the AS355.

How many people does the Esquilo carry?

Up to 5 passengers, plus the pilot.

Where is the Esquilo built in Brazil?

Helibras, in Itajubá (Minas Gerais), has built Esquilo-family helicopters since 1978.

Is it better to buy or to charter?

It depends on how many hours you fly a year: for occasional use, chartering usually costs less than keeping your own aircraft.

Request a quote for your Esquilo flight: WhatsApp +55 48 98877-0541 · sales@embarqueoficial.com