Pressing a button to call a helicopter to a rooftop, once the stuff of sci-fi stories, could soon be a reality in China's southern metropolis¹ of Shenzhen.

 

一键呼叫直升机到屋顶，曾经是科幻故事中的场景，可能将在深圳成为现实。

 

An urban air mobility² (UAM) project is expected to make the Chinese innovation hub, renowned³ for its "Shenzhen speed", even faster.

 

The joint⁴ project between Airbus and Shenzhen Municipal Commerce Bureau will add a new dimension to its urban transport system.

 

"We understand the potential of Shenzhen - the innovative⁵ spirit, and the opportunity to create an additional solution for the city and a service," said Eduardo Dominguez Puerta, head of urban air mobility of Airbus.

 

Tailored UAM services will be introduced in Shenzhen by the end of 2019, making it the first Chinese city with helicopters in its urban public transport.

 

"Airbus is collaborating⁶ closely with China on helicopters. We would like to start introducing this UAM service with existing helicopters and in parallel develop the new electronic vertical⁷ take-off and landing (eVTOL) and next-generation vehicles," Puerta said.

 

A digital platform will be tailored to Shenzhen, adapted to the Chinese customer and connected to the existing transport system.

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