Helicopters will be ready for take-offs starting around April 20
in a short-distance route that runs between the islands of Zhoushan
in east China's Zhejiang Province.
It is said to be the first approved air route of its kind in
China.
The air route will connect Zhoushan Airport on Zhujiajian Island
and five other major islands. All these islands and 1,300-plus
others make up the city of Zhoushan.
Harbin-based China Flying-Dragon Special Aviation Corp chose the
Zhoushan Islands for its first route after being approved to carry
passengers and cargo with small aircraft in February because it
believed the demand existed.
"There are some famous tourist spots on the islands, like
Putuoshan (one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains),
Taohuadao Island and Dongji Island. They are expected to bring us a
stable flow of clients," said Zuo Jiang, a senior manager with the
company.
"Besides, boarding a helicopter to go to the islands is both a
shorter way to travel and a rare experience for most Chinese."
At present, ships handle travel among the islands. By
helicopter, the shortest trip is only 5 minutes, while the longest
is about 35 minutes, which are "much shorter than the ships," Zuo
said.
The company will put one of its four helicopters, each of which
can carry 12 passengers at a time, on the route. The fare is around
500 yuan (US$62).
Zuo said flights will not be available every day since Zhoushan
often has to deal with bad weather. "Helicopters will not take off
if the weather is bad, so passengers have to call the airport first
to check it out," he said.
In addition, the company's helicopter will be involved in
medical evacuation. "If there's a need, our helicopter will carry
emergency patients from one of the islands to a big hospital," Zuo
said.
?
(China Daily April 8, 2006)