Green Channel

China’s international air cargo transport capacity has been sustained by the effective green channel measures taken 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 to 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 went 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.

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

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

Besides facilitating the scheduled cargo flight sector, CAAC’S green channel measures have also helped the growth of temporary cargo flights.

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

It has also encouraged airlines at home and abroad to utilize their passenger aircraft to carry out cargo missions. This move is helping relieve pressure on the civil aviation industry during the pandemic.