Chinese express carrier YTO Airlines launches a direct freight air route linking Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, and the Philippines capital Manila on July 16. [Photo/zj.gov.cn]

Chinese express carrier YTO Airlines announced on July 16 it had started a direct freight air route linking Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, and the Philippines capital of Manila.

Operated by a Boeing 757-200F cargo aircraft every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the flight from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is the first international freight route operated by YTO Airlines in Hangzhou, transporting Philippine featured aquatic products, seafood, fruit and Hangzhou cross-border e-commerce goods.

The maiden flight was loaded with 2,177 kilograms of cloth and cross-border e-commerce products and returned with 4,553 kilograms of eels seven hours later.

Officials said that the service will give a robust boost to the development of the cross-border e-commerce industry between China and Philippines, thus contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative.

YTO Airlines is the aviation arm of express delivery company YTO Express. Since the second half of last year, YTO Airlines has actively expanded into international markets and opened 10 international routes so far.

Goods are loaded onto the freight flight between Hangzhou and Manila on July 16. [Photo/zj.gov.cn]