A new cargo air route linking Shenzhen, a city in south China's Guangdong province, and Mexico city, opened on Wednesday night, facilitating the transfer of anti-epidemic materials from China to South America.

An aircraft loaded with 3.8 million medical masks, weighing 18.5 tonnes, departed from Shenzhen at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, bound for the Mexican capital city.

The new direct flight, operated by Aeromexico, will transport more anti-epidemic supplies to help South American nations in their battle against the COVID-19 virus.

The company said that more than 1,500 tonnes of medical supplies had been transported through over 100 flights from Shanghai to Mexico between April 7 and May 27.