Passengers board a helicopter in the eastern square of Shenzhen North Railway Station. Liu Yujie
Helicopter services that allow travelers to reach over 90% of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area within one hour are now available at Shenzhen North Railway Station in Longhua District.
Recently, a Shenzhen Eastern General Aviation Co. helicopter carrying 10 passengers lifted off from the pad in the eastern square of Shenzhen North Railway Station. This momentous occasion marked the official launch of China's first air-rail intermodal project, a collaborative effort between the Shenzhen Metro Group and Shenzhen Eastern.
A passenger surnamed Han from eastern China's Zhejiang Province was among the first group of people to experience the service. Departing from Shenzhen Bay in Nanshan District, his journey, which typically takes 40 minutes by road, was reduced to just eight minutes.
The helicopter service offers intercity routes. For example, a trip to Zhongshan takes approximately 25 minutes and costs 39,800 yuan a trip for up to six passengers. Additionally, it provides vital emergency rescue support services for local residents.
In recent years, Shenzhen has invested heavily in the development of the low-altitude economy. Earlier this year, the city introduced the country's first low-altitude economy regulations to bolster innovative development.
Recognized by the Civil Aviation Administration of China as a demonstration area for the low-altitude economy, Shenzhen is improving its industrial service systems, conducting pilot projects for urban low-altitude transportation, advancing the expansion and enrichment of low-altitude application scenarios, and reinforcing the infrastructure for low-altitude services.