BEIJING — China's international air cargo transport capacity has been sustained thanks to 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 include a simplified flight approval process, more flexible time limits and round-the-clock online acceptance of flight applications, according to the CAAC.