The view from a helicopter. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A bidirectional low-altitude passenger flight route that travels among Pudong, Jinshan (both districts in Shanghai) and Haining, a county-level city of Jiaxing, recently underwent its first test flight.

On the morning of the flight, a helicopter landed at the Haining Passenger Transport Center, attracting a crowd of curious onlookers. The route connects the Haining Passenger Transport Center, Jinshan Water Airport, and Pudong Xingye Flight Camp.

The return flight took off at 11:00 am, with three passengers on board. The helicopter flew north, offering breathtaking views from an altitude of 100 meters. In just 11 minutes, it crossed into Pinghu, and by 11:19 am, it reached the Shanghai Jinshan Water Airport. By 11:35 am, it had safely landed at Xingye Camp.

Local resident Ma Kai shared his excitement: "It was very comfortable, the cabin was spacious, the flight was smooth, and the scenery was beautiful."

The introduction of "city fly" significantly reduces commuting time. Previously, driving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the Jinshan Water Airport took about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The flight takes less than 20 minutes. Even with the 25-minute shuttle bus ride from Xingye Flight Camp to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the total travel time is nearly halved.

The one-way ticket price ranges from 1,400 to 2,600 yuan ($199-$370) per person. Charter flights cost between 6,000 and 9,800 yuan per trip, accommodating up to four passengers.

This new low-altitude route marks a significant step forward in regional connectivity, offering a fast, scenic, and innovative travel option.