Longwan launches 'air taxi' service

The test flight from Longwan to Qingtian. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Wenzhou's Longwan district and Lishui's Qingtian county celebrated the start of Wenzhou's first intercity air taxi service with a test flight on Nov 11.

The next morning, a light helicopter took off from Huangshishan Park in Longwan, flying to Qingtian county. Covering approximately 115 kilometers in just 19 minutes and 28 seconds, the flight was an hour faster than going by car.

"This test flight is a significant step in integrating Longwan International Airport with the southern Zhejiang transportation network," said Zhou Yifu, Party secretary of Longwan.

The Bell 505 helicopter seats four passengers and one pilot. Each passenger can bring a 20-inch suitcase onboard. As the helicopter ascended to 300 meters, passengers enjoyed breathtaking views of the Oujiang River, mountain ranges, and urban architecture, making for an exceptional aerial experience.

Such passenger transport is a key part of the low-altitude economy. Cao Xintian, founder of New Sky Helicopter Co Ltd, highlighted the growing network of low-altitude routes in the Yangtze River Delta. In August, New Sky launched China's first interprovincial low-altitude passenger route, linking Kunshan, Jiangsu, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

In October, Longwan district signed a strategic cooperation agreement with New Sky Helicopter to establish Wenzhou New Sky Low-altitude Application Development Co Ltd, promoting the commercialization of the low-altitude economy.

With its strategic location and industrial base, Longwan is well-positioned to develop the low-altitude economy. The area boasts a drone manufacturer and over 40 key drone component manufacturers. Longwan and Qingtian are pioneering the low-altitude economy, creating new economic growth opportunities and promoting faster movement of people and goods.