Travelers can now reach over 90% of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area within one hour, thanks to the newly launched helicopter services at Shenzhen North Station.

On a historic day, a helicopter operated by Shenzhen Eastern General Aviation Co. took off from the eastern square of Shenzhen North Station, carrying 10 passengers. This event marked the official launch of China’s first air-rail intermodal project, a joint effort between the Shenzhen Metro Group and Shenzhen Eastern.

Among the first to experience this service was a passenger surnamed Han from Zhejiang Province. Typically, a journey from Shenzhen Bay in Nanshan District would take 40 minutes by road. However, with the helicopter service, this was reduced to just eight minutes.

The helicopter service offers intercity routes, such as a 25-minute trip to Zhongshan. It also provides critical emergency rescue support for local residents.

In recent years, Shenzhen has heavily invested in developing its low-altitude economy. Earlier this year, the city introduced the country’s first low-altitude economy regulations to foster innovative growth.

As a demonstration area for the low-altitude economy recognized by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Shenzhen is enhancing its industrial service systems, piloting urban low-altitude transportation projects, expanding low-altitude application scenarios, and strengthening infrastructure for low-altitude services.