A helicopter is ready at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to take the first direct helicopter flight to Hong Kong, Sept 26, 2019. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A helicopter flight service between a Guangzhou airport and heliport in Hong Kong launched Sept 26, with services between another point in Guangzhou and Hong Kong and Macao expected early next year.

The flight between Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and the heliport at the Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal, Shun Tak Centre in Hong Kong takes about 50 minutes.

It is operated by Shenzhen Eastern General Aviation, which launched flights between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in June.

Meanwhile, a heliport and terminal are being built in Guangzhou Development District, with helicopter services from there to Hong Kong and Macao expected to start earlier next year, Jacqueline Kang, GZ-HK City Investment (Guangzhou) Co chairwoman said.

The flights will be served by the general aviation subsidiary of China Southern Air Holding Co.

The development of cross-border helicopter service is included in the outline development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area published in February.