Helicopters will be ready for take-offs starting around April 20 in a short-distance route that runs between the islands of Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

It is said to be the first approved air route of its kind in China.

The air route will connect Zhoushan Airport on Zhujiajian Island and five other major islands. All these islands and 1,300-plus others make up the city of Zhoushan.

Harbin-based China Flying-Dragon Special Aviation Corp chose the Zhoushan Islands for its first route after being approved to carry passengers and cargo with small aircraft in February because it believed the demand existed.

"There are some famous tourist spots on the islands, like Putuoshan (one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains), Taohuadao Island and Dongji Island. They are expected to bring us a stable flow of clients," said Zuo Jiang, a senior manager with the company.

"Besides, boarding a helicopter to go to the islands is both a shorter way to travel and a rare experience for most Chinese."

At present, ships handle travel among the islands. By helicopter, the shortest trip is only 5 minutes, while the longest is about 35 minutes, which are "much shorter than the ships," Zuo said.

The company will put one of its four helicopters, each of which can carry 12 passengers at a time, on the route. The fare is around 500 yuan (US$62).

Zuo said flights will not be available every day since Zhoushan often has to deal with bad weather. "Helicopters will not take off if the weather is bad, so passengers have to call the airport first to check it out," he said.

In addition, the company's helicopter will be involved in medical evacuation. "If there's a need, our helicopter will carry emergency patients from one of the islands to a big hospital," Zuo said.

(China Daily April 8, 2006)