Swiss International Air Lines says it has operated more than 1,000 cargo-only flights since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis in March.

The flights have been carried out by its airfreight division, Swiss WorldCargo, with more than 23,000 tonnes of goods having been transported.

Swiss said the major commodities transported during April and May were medicines and medical supplies, which supported the Swiss population and economy. Since then the focus has been on the transportation of commercial cargo.

Some of the cargo-only flights have been charter flights, in which goods are mainly transported in the cargo hold. The airline has also used the economy class cabin area on its three converted 777-300s to transport cargo.

Swiss has transported commercial cargo items within its cabins since July, having gained the requisite approval.