A cargo freighter loaded with goods, including anti-epidemic supplies, daily necessities, and cross-border e-commerce commodities, is prepped for departure from Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on May 26, 2021 for Budapest, capital of Hungary. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

A total of 129 international air freighters departed from or arrived at Ningbo Lishe International Airport in May, a month-on-month uptick of 26.4 percent, according to Ningbo Customs.

This is the third month since March that the city has reported a positive growth in the number of inbound and outbound cargo flights.

Exports from Ningbo Lishe International Airport are mainly fabrics, textiles, epidemic prevention materials, machinery spare parts and electronic products, while imported good arriving at the airport are primarily fresh food, electronic products, milk powder and cosmetics, according to Lyu Lingfei, an official at Ningbo Customs.

Ningbo has opened three new air cargo routes to countries such as Vietnam since the end of March, with 107 flights having operated on these routes to date.

The flights to and from Vietnam have thus far transported more than 430 metric tons of goods, including auto parts, wireless gaskets and cellphone screens.

Authorities have been making significant efforts to streamline customs clearance procedures in recent years. For example, the average clearance time for inbound and outbound aircrafts at Ningbo airport has been reduced to less than half an hour.