BEIJING — China’s civil aviation sector registered faster growth in investment and steady progress in energy efficiency, openness and air service coverage in the first half of 2019, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

The industry invested 43 billion yuan (about $6.26 billion) in the first six months, up 25 percent year-on-year, said the CAAC.

Meanwhile, the sector has secured greener growth, with fuel consumption per tonne-kilometer down 1 percent compared to the same period last year.

Improved connectivity is another hallmark of China’s civil aviation industry performance in the first half of 2019, as the industry launched 102 new international air routes and saw a 16.5 percent rise in international passenger trips.

In terms of air service coverage, 91.7 percent of prefecture-level cities across China are eligible for air services, up from 90.4 percent in the same period last year.