A cargo freighter loaded with goods, including anti-COVID-19 epidemic supplies, daily necessities, and cross-border e-commerce commodities, departs from Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on May 26 for Budapest, capital of Hungary. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

A total of 886 international cargo flights departed from or arrived at Ningbo Lishe International Airport in the first half of this year, official data shows.

The number represented an increase of 28.6 percent year-on-year and accounted for more than half of last year's total.

In June alone, 185 cargo planes flew to and from the airport, an increase of 10.12 percent year-on-year.

Over the six-month period, Ningbo opened four new cargo routes to Bangkok, Jakarta, Budapest, and Ho Chi Minh City, increasing the number of intentional freight routes it has opened to eight.

The airport sees 10 inbound and outbound all-cargo planes a day at its busiest time. 

"We have opened a special window for fast customs clearance and a green channel for logistics supervision so that goods can be released as soon as they arrive, helping enterprises reduce logistics and warehousing costs," said Lyu Lingfei, an official from Ningbo Customs.

She added that they will strengthen cooperation with Ningbo Airport Group in the future and work together to help airliners expand their air cargo businesses.