(CFP)

The development of the low-altitude economy in Suzhou reached a new milestone on July 13 with the opening of a helicopter flight center in Suzhou New District, offering a 12-minute direct flight service to Sunan Shuofang International Airport.

Located in the premium Gaoxin Square office tower, the center plans to offer direct helicopter flights to Hongqiao and Pudong airports in Shanghai. This office building is also the first in Jiangsu to provide commercial helicopter services.

Staff from the operator, Ruohang Group, said that the 12-minute flight for three passengers costs about 1,200 yuan, or 400 yuan per passenger. In contrast, it takes about 50 minutes and costs 120 yuan to take a taxi for the same journey.

Suzhou is not alone in boosting the economic concept that relies on low-altitude airspace in the Yangtze River Delta region. Cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Hefei and Wuxi, are also facilitating the low-altitude economy development. Notably, Nanjing plans to build one to two general aviation airports and open more than 120 low-altitude routes over the next three years.

As low-altitude airspace gradually opens, the emerging industry with a long industrial chain is expected to soar in the delta region.