This photo taken on August 18, 2024 shows the inauguration of a helicopter passenger transport route connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport with the Kunshan City Terminal. (CFP)
Transportation from Kunshan, a vibrant county-level city under the jurisdiction of Suzhou, to Shanghai Pudong International Airport became easier on August 18 with the launch of a helicopter passenger service.
The flight takes about 25 minutes, reducing travel time from 2 hours to less than one hour compared to ground transportation options. It also marks the first interprovincial low-altitude passenger route in China.
Suzhou has actively supported the development of the low-altitude economy. For example, the SF Express Fengtai Industrial Park in Wujiang District, operates a drone delivery service from Monday to Saturday. With a loading capacity up to 10 kg, the drone completes a round trip between the distribution hub and delivery stations in just 6 minutes, making it the first regular point-to-point drone delivery route in the province.
Also in Kunshan, the Huaqiao Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park hosts 15 companies with an estimated annual output value of 10 billion yuan.
This robust development owes a lot to Suzhou’s solid industrial foundation, manufacturing capabilities, industry chain, and innovation ecosystem. Wang Wei, chairman of SF Express, said Suzhou has always been an incubator and testing ground for new technologies and business models, with vast prospects for the development of the low-altitude economy.
As part of its policy support, Suzhou released a 3-year action plan for the sector’s development at a conference held on April 18. By 2026, the city plans to open 1-2 general airports, more than 200 vertical take-off and landing points, 3-5 short-distance flights to surrounding airports, and over 100 drone routes.
Furthermore, the city is currently collecting public feedback on a planned regulation to promote low-altitude economy industry. The draft includes provisions on safety measures, infrastructure, technological innovation, entry conditions, and emergency response. It also mentions that Suzhou will establish a low-altitude flight service administration, which will coordinate with air traffic and civil aviation management departments to boost the healthy growth of low-altitude economy.
