The newest air link between neighboring Suzhou and Shanghai Pudong International Airport has officially begun commercial operation, the first low-level inter-city link in the country.
Two passengers boarded the first flight at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and landed at the Xingye commercial air base in Pudong, near the airport, at 8:58 a.m.
A successful test flight was carried out earlier this month and travel time on the new route was reduced to less than 30 minutes compared to normal land transport time of up to two hours.
The daily flight connection allows business travelers in the neighboring city of Suzhou easier access to Pudong Airport, as the commute time from the Kunshan city terminal and the departure area of Pudong Airport is less than one hour.
The Shanghai Commission for Economy and Informatization will work with the Civil Aviation Administration, the local transport commission, the Shanghai Airport Group and other relevant authorities to promote the development of low-altitude routes in the Yangtze River Delta region, thereby achieving greater synergies.
In addition, new flight routes are being considered to serve surrounding communities such as Taicang and Wujiang in Suzhou, as well as routes connecting Pudong Airport with famous tourist destinations such as Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District.
Taken by Zhou Weiran. Edited by Zhou Weiran. Reporting by Zhou Weiran.
Some basic information about the flight route:
What is the maximum passenger capacity per flight?
The helicopter can carry a maximum of four passengers per flight.
How much are the prices?
The one-way flight costs 1,600 yuan (US$222), plus a 200 yuan fee for the traveler for assisted fast boarding at Pudong Airport.
What are the flight schedules?
Daily departure from Pudong Xingye Air Base at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm; departure from Kunshan Terminal at 8:30 am and 4:30 pm for Pudong Air Base. Passengers will be transferred to Pudong Airport by an airport service shuttle bus.
Is a charter service available?
For a one-way charter flight costing 8,800 yuan, passengers can choose their preferred departure time and carry a maximum of four people per flight.
Passengers will be escorted to fast boarding upon arrival at the airport.
Where can I book the flight?
Bookings can be made through the service hotline of the Kunshan Terminal of Shanghai International Airport (0512-50178887) and the booking hotline of New Sky Helicopter (400-920-8969). New Sky’s official online booking channels also include Trip.com, Meituan, Dianping and Douyin.
How do I board the helicopter?
Please arrive at Kunshan Terminal 20 minutes before departure and allow an additional 10 minutes for check-in service.
Passengers departing from Pudong Air Base should allow 15 minutes for booking information verification, ID check and security screening.
Can I take hand luggage with me?
Each passenger can carry one piece of baggage measuring 20 inches (maximum size 34 x 23 x 50 cm) and weighing no more than 15 kilograms free of charge. Please ask ground staff about oversized or overweight baggage.
