A helicopter recently soared along the just-launched low-altitude flight route connecting the bustling downtown area of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, with the picturesque Haixinsha Park in Guangzhou, ultimately reaching the bustling Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. This marks a significant development for air travel within the region. (Photo/CHINA DAILY)
On October 31, at precisely 12:10 pm, a helicopter departed from a central location in Shenzhen and successfully landed on the helipad at Guangzhou’s scenic Haixinsha Park approximately 30 minutes later, providing a remarkable travel option for leisure and business travelers alike.
The helicopter took to the skies again at 4:35 pm, making its way to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, completing the journey in an efficient 18 minutes. This swift transfer highlights the efficacy of the new flight service, enabling travelers to reach their destinations with notable speed.
This successful inaugural flight signifies the official opening of the pioneering low-altitude air route connecting Baiyun Airport with Haixinsha Park, as confirmed by a statement from the Guangdong Airport Authority. This route aims to enhance connectivity between these vital urban centers.
The low-altitude air route is collaboratively managed by Yitong Business Aviation Management Co Ltd and Heli-Eastern, a Shenzhen-based company recognized as a low-altitude reform pilot unit by both the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Shenzhen municipal government, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Cai Wuqun, an executive from the Strategic Development Department of Heli-Eastern, highlighted the primary advantage of this low-altitude traffic solution, which aims to alleviate the persistent issue of traffic congestion that plagues both intercity travel and urban areas.
“It takes only 18 minutes from Baiyun International Airport to Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town, the central business district of this thriving southern metropolis, which efficiently caters to the rapid travel needs of business representatives,” Cai remarked, underscoring the route’s utility for professionals.
As key cities in the prosperous Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are distinguished not only by their vast economic contributions and robust industrial frameworks but also by the abundance of private enterprises that drive innovation and growth in the region.
The two cities also boast interlinked economic development trajectories, a strong demand for both passenger and freight transportation, and an array of frequent business interactions, enhancing their position as vital hubs in southern China.
Currently, conventional ground transportation between Shenzhen and Guangzhou’s Haixinsha Park exceeds 120 minutes, with the journey from Haixinsha to Baiyun Airport averaging over 50 minutes, creating a pressing need for faster alternatives.
In contrast, the newly introduced helicopter service reduces travel time significantly: it takes just 30 minutes to fly from Shenzhen to Haixinsha, with an additional two minutes allocated for security checks, dramatically improving the travel experience. Additionally, the flight from Haixinsha to Baiyun Airport is completed in a mere 18 minutes, with another two minutes designated for security, showcasing the route’s efficiency and convenience.
(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
**Interview with Cai Wuqun, Executive from Heli-Eastern**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Cai. Can you tell us about the new low-altitude flight route connecting Shenzhen and Guangzhou?
**Cai Wuqun:** Thank you for having me. We are excited to launch this new low-altitude flight route that connects the vibrant downtown area of Shenzhen with the beautiful Haixinsha Park in Guangzhou, ultimately providing access to the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
**Editor:** What inspired the development of this route?
**Cai Wuqun:** The goal was to enhance connectivity between these major urban centers, making it easier for both leisure and business travelers to move quickly and efficiently. The idea was to provide a travel option that not only reduces congestion on the ground but also offers a unique aerial experience.
**Editor:** How long does the journey take?
**Cai Wuqun:** The initial flight from Shenzhen to Haixinsha Park takes around 30 minutes, while the return trip to Baiyun Airport is completed in just 18 minutes. This significantly cuts down travel time compared to traditional road transport.
**Editor:** That sounds impressive. Can you explain how safety is being managed for these flights?
**Cai Wuqun:** Safety is our top priority. The route is managed in collaboration with Yitong Business Aviation Management and is overseen by both the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Shenzhen municipal government. We adhere to strict regulations and industry best practices to ensure passenger safety.
**Editor:** What kind of feedback have you received since the route’s launch?
**Cai Wuqun:** Preliminary feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers appreciate the speed and convenience of the service. We believe this will reshape air travel in our region, encouraging more people to consider helicopters as a viable transportation option.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Cai, for sharing these insights. We look forward to seeing how this innovative route develops over time.
**Cai Wuqun:** Thank you for having me. We are excited about the future of air travel in our region!
