Tibet expands air rescue services to improve emergency response

Big steps are being taken to enhance air rescue services in the Tibet autonomous region, officials said.

Lhasa Xueying General Aviation Co began a project in 2017 to build three rescue bases, each with a flight radius of 300 kilometers, and it is nearing completion. The company has five helicopters at its Lhasa base and plans to add two more in the second half of the year, in Shigatse and Lhokha.

"Air rescue allows a quick response in emergencies involving tourists, fire control, medical conditions and car crashes in remote areas," said Songtsen, executive vice-president of Lhasa Xueying General Aviation. "Helicopters fill a regional gap. They are part of a key attempt to link ground rescue with air rescue." Like many in Tibet, Songtsen uses one name.