SHENZHEN — An Airbus A330-200 loaded with masks and other epidemic prevention materials took off from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport for Los Angeles, the United States on May 17.

According to the preliminary plan, its operator China Eastern Airlines will fly the passenger-to-cargo flight twice a day before the end of June.

This will increase direct passenger-to-cargo flights from Shenzhen to Los Angeles to three every day, airport sources said.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously cut international travels, demands for international air cargo have surged sharply.

Shenzhen airport has operated more than 20 passenger-to-cargo routes to some international hubs, including Los Angeles, Paris, Melbourne, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

The airport has seen increasing international freight business, with the highest international cargo volume exceeding 1,400 metric tons for a single day.

To help fight the pandemic and secure the supply chain, Shenzhen airport has provided services to temporary charter cargo flights from other countries and regions, and cooperated with airlines to start passenger-to-cargo routes.

Up to date, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport has served more than 500 international temporary charter cargo flights and passenger-to-cargo flights, transporting more than 10,000 tons of epidemic prevention materials to 37 countries.