Say goodbye to traffic jams! China is testing a futuristic low-altitude flight route that slashes travel time between Kunshan (Jiangsu Province) and Shanghai from 2 hours to just 30 minutes. The trial run, conducted by Shanghai New Sky Helicopter Co., could revolutionize intercity commutes for professionals, travelers, and urban adventurers alike. 🚀
Testing the Skies
On August 10, a commercial helicopter zoomed from Kunshan’s city terminal to Shanghai’s Pudong flight base at 285 meters altitude, hitting speeds of nearly 200 km/h. This 'sky highway' demo has tech enthusiasts buzzing—imagine grabbing coffee in Kunshan and making a midday meeting in Shanghai! ☕➡️🏙️
Fast, But Pricey?
Tickets for the 30-minute joyride will cost between 1,600–1,800 yuan (~$224–$252) when the service launches on August 18. While not exactly budget-friendly, the route could attract 20,000–30,000 annual passengers and generate over 10 million yuan in economic benefits. 💸📈
Why It Matters
This project is part of China’s push to grow its low-altitude economy—think drones, air taxis, and smart air traffic systems. For young professionals eyeing cross-city opportunities or travelers craving efficiency, this could be a game-changer. 🌐✈️
Reference(s):
China launches trial run of intercity low-altitude air route
cgtn.com