Hongqiao Airport debuts intermodal shuttle route with helicopters

The first shuttle route connecting passenger planes and helicopters at a major transport airport in East China has successfully completed its test flight at the Xinhong Heliport of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. This round-trip route between Shanghai and Wujiang district in Jiangsu province's Suzhou will provide a quicker and more convenient transfer option for business air travelers.

The first shuttle route connecting passenger planes and helicopters at a major transport airport in East China is launched. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh_drc]

The test flight marked a milestone in East China's air transportation industry, supported by the CAAC East China Regional Administration. By integrating Shenzhen Airport's advanced navigation management experience with Hongqiao Airport's operational characteristics, an innovative control and command scheme was developed to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

The intermodal shuttle route leverages the respective advantages of commercial aircraft and helicopters, providing a seamless connection for passengers traveling between Shanghai and Wujiang. By reducing ground transportation time, this air shuttle mode is particularly appealing to time-pressed business travelers.

With the successful test flight, the route is poised to enter regular operation, with further refinements to its service and operational mechanisms to come. The opening of the Xinhong Heliport sets a precedent for future intermodal shuttle routes at other busy airports, potentially revolutionizing transport efficiency at aviation hubs nationwide.