An aviation company in Harbin has started helicopters rental service recently. Thus it is possible for one to take a ride in a helicopter to go skiing there.

The helicopters for rent include Y-12, Z-9A and AS350B2. The price varies from 15,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan per hour depending on different models of the aircraft.

Though the price is beyond the reach of most of the ordinary citizens, the company promises that certain discounts will be given to frequent clients and those who will fly a long-distance journey.

"Though our service is expensive, it has the convenience of flying to anywhere within Heilongjiang at any time as the client wishes. Trip around China is also possible, given that the client hands in an application to the Civil Aviation Administration beforehand," said Wang Enli, the director of the marketing department of the company.

(Chinanews.cn January 5, 2007)