Commercial low-altitude air route in NE China's Dalian sees first test flight

(ECNS) -- A commercial low-altitude air route in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, opened for a maiden flight on Monday, shortening the travel time between the urban area and Zhangzidao Island.

Starting from Donggang, the test route is 92 kilometers long. It only took 22 minutes for the AW139 helicopter to finish the test flight at a maximum speed of 250 kph and an altitude of 300 meters.

“I enjoyed a smooth flight and overlooked the whole city, including the winding coastline, which is very stunning,” said Li Mi, a passenger.

The route will provide a new option for business, tourism, visiting friends and relatives, and emergency use, said Wang Wei, who oversaw the test flight.
This new type of transportation will be put into commercial use soon after a concrete operational plan is released.