China Eastern Launches World’s Longest Direct Flight to Argentina

Chinese airline China Eastern Airlines is set to operate the world’s longest direct flight, connecting the economic hub of Shanghai with the capital of Argentina. This new route, which begins on December 4, 2023, will feature two flights per week, marking a significant expansion in international air travel.

The Argentinian government approved the new service on Wednesday, formalizing the route in the official gazette. The flight will cover approximately 20,000 kilometers, with the outbound journey expected to take around 25.5 hours and the return flight approximately 29 hours. Notably, this connection will not be non-stop; the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will make a technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand, for refueling and crew changes.

During the two-hour stopover in Auckland, passengers will have the opportunity to disembark briefly, according to a report from aviation magazine Aero. This aspect aims to enhance the travel experience for those making the lengthy journey.

The introduction of this direct flight adds to the competition in the market, particularly against established airlines such as Lufthansa, which currently offers connecting flights between Shanghai and Buenos Aires via its Frankfurt hub. As international travel continues to evolve, this new route by China Eastern represents a significant development in long-haul aviation, appealing to both business and leisure travelers seeking direct connectivity between Asia and South America.

This direct link underscores the growing air traffic between these two regions, reflecting a trend of expanding global connectivity. With the rise of such routes, travelers can expect more efficient options for reaching distant destinations in the near future.