Shanghai's first low-altitude transit route connecting its downtown with Kunshan in Jiangsu province is scheduled to begin commercial operations on Aug 18, marking a new phase in the Yangtze River Delta's three-dimensional transportation network.

The route, which links Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Kunshan via Fuxing Island, will cut intercity transportation time by about one-third during peak hours.

Fuxing Island, located in the heart of Yangpu's waterfront area, will serve as the landing site. Its selection marks the true arrival of low-altitude transportation in Shanghai's urban center, according to the Shanghai Observer. The rare landing space within the city will help connect cities across the Yangtze River Delta, accelerating the development of a multilevel transportation network in the region.

Shanghai New Sky Helicopter, the route's operator, successfully conducted a trial flight on July 16, unlocking a long anticipated takeoff and landing site in the city's core area for low-altitude travel.

In the second half of the year, Fuxing Island will be upgraded into a general aviation airport with enhanced passenger service and safety capabilities, paving the way for the site to become a low-altitude transportation hub.

"Fuxing Island is a model of the people-centric city of the future. Low-altitude transportation represents a critical mobility solution ahead, and as part of the low-altitude economy, we are fully aligned with this forward-looking development path," said Cao Xintian, chairman of Shanghai New Sky Helicopter.

According to Cao, the Fuxing Island base will act as a key nexus of the low-altitude network across the Yangtze River Delta, allowing passengers to travel conveniently to destinations including Jiaxing, Haining and Shaoxing in Zhejiang province. New Sky also plans to launch routes to island destinations such as the Shengsi Islands in Zhejiang province, offering more diversified travel options. The routes will help form a half-hour flying zone across key areas in the Yangtze River Delta, Cao added.

For tourists seeking low-altitude sightseeing experiences, flights along the Huangpu River from Fuxing Island to Lujiazui in Pudong will provide views of Shanghai's skyline.

"The launch of the new route will better integrate the city clusters of the Yangtze River Delta region, promoting coordinated and integrated economic development," said Tang Zhun, deputy director of the company managing Yangpu's riverside development, according to local media.

The project aims to set a benchmark for low-altitude digital innovation, offering aerial views of the riverfront and cityscape that could redefine Shanghai's urban experience, Tang said.