Shenzhen amps up low-altitude trips

Cheng Wong

Aviation enthusiasts can now enjoy 15-minute helicopter experiences in Shenzhen for less than 4,000 yuan (HK$4,337) as the city aims to pioneer low-altitude economic development.

Last year, Shenzhen introduced China's first "Air-Rail Intermodal Service," allowing passengers to book "flying taxis" via smartphones.

This service includes several helicopter routes to popular destinations such as Futian, Yantian, and Dapeng in the Greater Bay Area.

A Xiaohongshu user recently shared a video of her sky tour over Yantian, taking in stunning views of skyscrapers, ports and mountains.

She told Sing Tao Daily, a sister publication of The Standard, that her trip was enjoyable but quite noisy, requiring passengers to wear noise-canceling headphones throughout the flight, and only lasted eight minutes.

Using a government-issued voucher, she paid 200 yuan for a flight originally priced at 698 yuan, saying: "The price with the voucher is acceptable; if I spent 698 yuan, it would be too expensive."

Lui, who planned to visit Shenzhen this month, expressed disappointment after checking the prices.

"Most services in the city cost several thousand yuan. The Dapeng route is only over 300 yuan, but it's too far from downtown. It doesn't feel worth it to go all the way just for a few minutes."

Staff for the Futian route said their flight lasts 15 minutes and costs 3,980 yuan per person, requiring a minimum of five passengers to book.

It typically takes two to three days to gather enough passengers for a flight.

Zhang Jin, general manager of the Shenzhen branch of CITIC Offshore Helicopter, believes that leveraging electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft could significantly reduce low-altitude travel costs.

He estimates operational expenses to drop to one-seventh or one-tenth of current prices as the technology matures.

Shanghai Volant Aerotech marketing director Fu Changyin said eVTOL aircraft are considered a key solution for future urban low-altitude transportation, with applications in sightseeing, intercity commuting, emergency rescue, and cargo transport. Industry insiders believe China is at the forefront of global eVTOL aircraft development, with leading companies expected to obtain airworthiness certificates between 2026 and 2027.

Renowned economist Pan Helin said manned aircraft require high technical safety assurance.

He urged authorities to establish strict safety standards and encouraged companies to enhance their products in preparation for emerging opportunities.