BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The fleet size of China's all-cargo freighters is 173, representing an initial stage but hinting at the promising prospects of the air cargo industry in China, according to the civil aviation authorities.

The number of all-cargo freighters is only around 4.5 percent of the country's civil transport airplanes, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

To date, there are a total of 55 airlines in China, among which 10 are focusing on the air cargo business.

Of the 10 air cargo-oriented airlines, six are state-owned enterprises, according to the CAAC.

Air cargo transport is playing essential roles in China's anti-epidemic fight thanks to its rapid and high-quality transportation of emergency medical and other supplies.

Moreover, the air cargo sector also provides crucial support for China amid the international prevention and control of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

China will take further steps to boost the country's international air freight capacity to stabilize supply chains.

The civil aviation authorities will support and encourage the development of the air cargo sector, expanding the size of the fleet and supporting new business models according to the sector, said the CAAC.

However, the anti-epidemic fight has revealed the shortage of professional air cargo service and a more complete airport system to serve the sector.

Infrastructure upgrading is among China's key priorities to facilitate the growth of the air cargo industry, which is also boosted by the e-commerce and express delivery industries.

In the 2021-2025 period, the country will keep strengthening the sector in regions with market prospects, according to the National Reform and Development Commission.

China's first cargo-oriented airport in Ezhou, Hubei Province, is expected to begin operations by the end of 2021 or early 2022. Enditem

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