Green channel for China's int'l air cargo transport

China's international air cargo transport capacity has been sustained by the effective green channel measures taken in the sector during the pandemic period, according to the civil aviation authorities.

The civil aviation industry of China has seen a sharp increase in scheduled cargo flights, said the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

China now maintains scheduled air cargo flights with around 102 overseas destinations in 49 countries.

In April, Chinese and foreign airlines carried out 1,574 scheduled air cargo flights per week, representing a 55.2 percent increase compared with the weekly volume before the COVID-19 pandemic. And in the first two weeks of May, the weekly volume was up to 2,365 flights, a 133.2 percent increase.

The rapid growth in China's international air cargo sector has contributed to transporting vital supplies and ensuring global supply chains.

The CAAC introduced a series of green channel measures to facilitate international air transport in the pandemic period.

These comprehensive measures included a simplified flight approval process, more flexible time limits and around-the-clock online acceptance of flight applications, according to the CAAC.

Besides facilitating the scheduled cargo flight sector, the CAAC's green channel measures also help the growth of temporary cargo flights.

The CAAC approved 1,794 temporary cargo flights in March and 2,225 in April.

The CAAC also encourages airlines at home and abroad to utilize their passenger aircraft to carry out cargo missions. This move helps relieve pressure on the civil aviation industry in the pandemic.

In the next step, the Chinese civil aviation authorities will continuously provide more efficient and convenient services to the air cargo sector in accordance with the national strategy and the industry development, according to the CAAC.