“We plan to launch aerial sightseeing tours in Nyang Qu, Lulang Township, Draksum Tso Lake, Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, etc. from the middle of June to July,” according to Chen Jianan, general manager of Xilin Fengteng General Aviation Co., Ltd. 

“Prices vary from 1,000 yuan to 3,000 yuan in terms of different tours and flight time,” Chen added. 

Ten Airbus H125 helicopters (AS350 Squirrel) will be used for running these aerial sightseeing tours.  

Compared with other helicopters, though Airbus H125 helicopter looks smaller, it has remarkable performance with the maximum speed of 287 km/h, maximum flying height of 7,010m and maximum duration flight time of 215 minutes. It can carry six travelers at most at the same time. 

Chen said, “Airbus H125 helicopter’s predecessor model succeeded in taking off from and landing on Mt. Qomolangma in 2005. These helicopters can certainly carry out safe flights on the plateau.” 

Aviators in this company are all quite experienced with average flight time over 2,000 hours. Besides, this company has successively carried out aerial forest fire protection in Garze, Aba for six years, which has accumulated rich experience in high-altitude flights. 

To guarantee safety, strict security procedures will be implemented. Different from passenger plane, only cell phones or cameras are allowed to bring to the helicopter. Insurance expenses have been included in the tour price. 

It is expected that from the middle of June, besides self-driving tour, walking tour, and cycling tour, aerial sightseeing tour will be available in Nyingchi.