Feixian (Nantong) Air Express Service Base in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

A helicopter ascended at 5 pm on Aug 16 from the Nantong Innovation Zone and landed in the Suzhou Industrial Park 25 minutes later, marking the launch of the first helicopter route between Nantong and Suzhou.

It also marked the inauguration of the Feixian (Nantong) Air Express Service Base.

The base is operated by Ruoer General Aviation Development Group and uses Bell 505 and Robinson R44 helicopters, known for their high level of safety and strong reputation in the industry.

The new route supports direct flights from the Nantong Innovation Zone Zilang Lake Base to the SIP Science and Technology Center, Ruohang Base, and Suzhou New District High-Tech Square.

More routes will also be opened from Nantong to Changzhou, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Pudong International Airport, and other cities, providing convenient, efficient, and diverse travel options for the public.

Transportation channels between Nantong and Suzhou have expanded from highways and rail transit to air taxis, accelerating the development of a multi-level, three-dimensional transportation network between the two cities.

The low-altitude economy is an important field for the development of new quality productive forces and a strategic emerging industry in the Yangtze River Delta.

In recent years, supported by the CAAC East China Civil Aviation Administration, Nantong has focused on becoming a leading area for low-altitude economic industry manufacturing and applications in YRD, vigorously developing the aerospace industry, and accelerating the construction of demonstration zones for the development of the low-altitude economy, such as the Nantong Innovation Zone and Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area.