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Hainan launches passenger helicopter service to Guangdong Province

Twin-engined Sikorsky S-76 will be used to transport passengers

© Lu Xiaoyu/Xinhua News Agency

HAIKOU /China/, October 2. /TASS/. The southern Chinese province of Hainan has launched a direct helicopter passenger route to neighbouring Guangdong, Hainan Daily reported.

According to the newspaper, the service will be operated by a twin-engine Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. It can carry up to 12 people in the cabin. The flight from the resort city of Sanya on the southern coast of the island to the city of Zhanjiang (port in Guangdong) will take one hour.

The first flight on the route was successfully completed on 29 September. China Southern Airlines General Aviation is responsible for the project, which uses special helipads for its implementation.

"This direction allows us to fully exploit the unique advantages that such general airports have," the airline said. "Compared to large airports, passengers can enjoy a more flexible, convenient and accessible check-in, control and boarding process, as well as significantly reduced waiting times."

In the first phase, during the trial period, the transport is mainly intended for charter flights. Passengers using the service will be able to choose their own itinerary and enjoy the magnificent sea views.

The operator plans to increase the number of flights on weekends and public holidays, during forums and exhibitions and during the high tourist season. It is expected that such transport will contribute to the formation of an even more convenient transport communication linking Hainan with other regions of the People's Republic of China.

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