Whirlybirds begin tourist trips from Jida to Dong'ao

After a two-month trial run, helicopter trips between Zhuhai Jiuzhou Helipad in Jida and Dong'ao Island began running on July 7, presenting tourists with breathtaking island scenery and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge from a stereoscopic perspective.

The service is operated by China Southern Airlines General Aviation. It uses the 12-seat S76 helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp of the USA. This is considered the premium model among medium helicopters and valued at more than 100 million ($15 million).

The flight leaves the helipad for Dong'ao at 2:30 pm daily, with the journey taking 10 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 1,299 yuan ($196), while a round trip is 1,599 yuan ($241). 

12-seat S76

Together, Asia Pacific General Aviation, Macau Juventude International Travel, Zhuhai Youth International Travel Service, and Gree Dong'ao Hotel are offering a series of island tourism packages targeting high-spending travelers. These encompass helicopter transport, upscale hotel accommodations, seafood, water sports, and low-altitude sightseeing.

According to Juventude chairman Cheong Chi Man, this is the first time for the company to conduct a full-scale promotion of Zhuhai island travel routes in Macao. He said the flights will provide convenient transport for Macao visitors and boost the synergic tourism development of the two cities.

Routes from Jiuzhou Helipad to Big Wanshan and Wailingding islands, as well as a chartered helicopter tour service, will be available soon, stated an official from the Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone.

Aerial view

Passenger [Photos by Song Aihua / Zhuhai Daily]