A cargo-only freighter loaded with anti-epidemic supplies such as masks, clothing, and electrical accessories, leaves Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on March 19 for Tokyo, Japan. [Photo/caacnews.com.cn] 

A cargo freighter loaded with anti-epidemic supplies such as masks, clothing, and electrical accessories, left Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, on March 19 for Tokyo, Japan.

The Boeing 757 freighter is operated by YTO Airlines, the aviation branch of China's express giant YTO Express.

This is Ningbo's first direct cargo-only flight to Tokyo, and the second cargo-only route the city has opened so far this year, after a direct cargo-only flight linking Ningbo with Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, was introduced by YTO Airlines on March 4. 

Ningbo airport's six cargo airlines have now resumed operations after being suspended due to the epidemic. Available destinations currently include Osaka, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Official statistics show that the value of imports and exports between Ningbo and Japan reached 63.69 billion yuan ($9.23 billion) last year, up 13.5 percent year-on-year.

An employee at the Ningbo airport noted that the opening of new cargo lines will increase the city's air cargo capacity and efficiency.

After the beginning of the outbreak, goods such as medical supplies could only be shipped to and from Ningbo through airports in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, which reduced the efficiency of shipping and increased logistics costs.

The airport's move to resume all freighter routes will not only benefit local manufacturing enterprises in their efforts to resume production, but will also boost overall confidence in the foreign trade industry, local experts said.