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Zhejiang's first intercity low-altitude public air route was launched with a helicopter flight from Shanghai's Pudong New Area to Keqiao district in Shaoxing on May 10, marking a milestone in regional aviation connectivity.

The aircraft landed in Jiandong village, located in Shaoxing's mountainous south at an altitude of around 600 meters. Three local residents, all first-time flyers, boarded the helicopter and reached downtown Shaoxing in just over 10 minutes. The ride offered sweeping views from forested hills to city streets.

Operated by a Bell 505 helicopter and equipped with dual pilots, the route runs scheduled daily flights, with round trips covering multiple destinations in Zhejiang and Shanghai. Each segment takes under 18 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

The air corridor is a key part of Shaoxing's low-altitude economy plan, which aims to launch 30 general aviation routes by 2030. The pilot service reflects a growing emphasis on integrating air mobility into the Yangtze River Delta's transport network.

The route enhances tourism and business connectivity while expanding access for remote communities. With its blend of convenience, novelty, and regional coordination, the low-altitude service opens a new chapter for urban-rural integration and the broader development of China's low-altitude aviation sector, said local transportation authorities.