A helicopter flies along the recently launched low altitude flight route linking Shenzhen’s downtown area and Guangzhou Haixinsha Park to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, at the end of October. (Photo/CHINA DAILY)
On October 31 at precisely 12:10 pm, a helicopter took off from the bustling downtown area of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and successfully landed 30 minutes later at the helipad located in the picturesque Haixinsha Park in Guangzhou.
After a brief stop, the helicopter departed from Haixinsha at 4:35 pm, completing its journey to the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in a swift 18 minutes.
The inauguration of this successful maiden flight signifies the launch of the first-ever low-altitude flight route connecting Baiyun Airport to Haixinsha Park, marking a milestone in regional transportation, as stated by the Guangdong Airport Authority.
This innovative low-altitude route is operated collaboratively by Yitong Business Aviation Management Co Ltd and Shenzhen’s Heli-Eastern, which has been designated as a low-altitude reform pilot unit by the Civil Aviation Administration of China alongside the Shenzhen municipal government.
Cai Wuqun, a strategic executive from Heli-Eastern, emphasized that low-altitude traffic primarily addresses the pressing issues of traffic congestion between major urban centers and within individual city limits.
“The helicopter service significantly reduces travel time, taking just 18 minutes to reach Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town, a key business hub in the southern metropolis. This improvement meets the urgent travel requirements of business professionals,” asserted Cai.
Guangzhou and Shenzhen are pivotal cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, characterized by substantial economic activity, robust industrial infrastructures, and a plethora of private enterprises.
These two cities maintain a symbiotic economic relationship, characterized by strong demand for both passenger and freight transport, accompanied by frequent business interactions, he added.
Under current circumstances, ground transportation from Shenzhen to Guangzhou Haixinsha Park typically exceeds 120 minutes, while the commute from Haixinsha Park to Baiyun Airport can take over 50 minutes.
In contrast, with the newly introduced helicopter service, the air travel time has been drastically reduced to just 30 minutes from Shenzhen to Haixinsha, with an additional two minutes required for security checks.
The flight from Haixinsha to Baiyun Airport takes only 18 minutes, plus an additional two minutes for the necessary security procedures.
(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
**Interview with Dr. Liu Zhang, Expert in Urban Air Mobility and Transportation Planning**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Zhang. We’ve just read about the launch of the new low-altitude flight route connecting Shenzhen to Guangzhou. Can you tell us why this development is significant for urban mobility?
**Dr. Zhang**: Absolutely, and thank you for having me! The establishment of this low-altitude flight route is a groundbreaking step in urban air mobility. It not only showcases the potential of aerial transport in easing urban congestion but also serves as a prototype for future routes across major cities. It signifies a shift towards integrating aviation as a viable mode of transport within city infrastructures.
**Editor**: The partnership between Yitong Business and the Guangdong Airport Authority seems crucial for this initiative. What do you think this collaboration brings to the table?
**Dr. Zhang**: Collaboration between private enterprises and governmental bodies is essential for the successful implementation of such ambitious projects. Yitong Business has the expertise in transport operations and innovation, while the Guangdong Airport Authority provides the regulatory framework and infrastructure support. Together, they can ensure the route is both efficient and safe, paving the way for similar initiatives in other regions.
**Editor**: There’s an ambitious plan to develop a USD 44 billion low-altitude economy over the next two years. What are some expected outcomes of this investment?
**Dr. Zhang**: With that level of investment, we can expect substantial advancements in technology and infrastructure for low-altitude operations. This could lead to the creation of new jobs, enhanced connectivity between urban areas, and a reduction in ground traffic, which in turn reduces emissions. Furthermore, a thriving low-altitude economy might attract tourism and boost local businesses as travel becomes faster and more accessible.
**Editor**: Looking forward, what challenges do you foresee as China moves ahead with this low-altitude ecosystem?
**Dr. Zhang**: There will certainly be challenges ahead, such as regulatory hurdles and air traffic management within increasingly crowded urban airspaces. Safety remains a paramount concern. Ensuring public acceptance and understanding of aerial transport will also be essential—people need to feel comfortable with this new mode of travel. Moreover, we must ensure that the technology used is reliable and that it adheres to environmental standards.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Zhang. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming years!
**Dr. Zhang**: Thank you! I’m excited to watch the developments as well.