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Fly farther than ever with China Eastern’s new Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight—29 hours of travel with a brief Auckland stop, connecting opposite ends of the globe.
Breaking Distance Barriers
China Eastern Airlines is making headlines with its ambitious Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight, set to begin December 4. Operating twice a week on a Boeing 777-300ER, the journey will stretch nearly 19,000 kilometers and last up to 29 hours on the return leg, creating a new benchmark in ultra-long travel.
Direct Flight—But With a Twist
Despite being labeled “direct,” the service includes a two-hour technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand. Passengers may leave the aircraft for a quick stretch, but the same plane continues onward—qualifying the trip as direct rather than nonstop.
Comparing the World’s Longest Flights
Here’s how China Eastern’s route compares with other globe-spanning journeys:
| Route & Airline | Distance | Flight Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai–Buenos Aires (China Eastern) | ~19,000 km | 25.5–29 hrs | 1 (Auckland) |
| Singapore–New York (Singapore Airlines) | 15,349 km | ~18 hrs | Nonstop |
| Sydney–London (Qantas, planned) | ~16,100 km | ~20 hrs | Nonstop (planned) |
This table underscores China Eastern’s unique claim of offering the longest direct connection between antipodal cities—destinations situated on opposite sides of the Earth.
A Strategic “Air Silk Road”
The airline highlights this route as part of a new Air Silk Road that links Asia-Pacific and South America. By following a southerly path that brushes near Antarctica, the flight is expected to save at least four hours compared with traditional northern routes.
Competitive Air Travel Landscape
Rival carriers such as Air France and Lufthansa currently require around 31 hours to connect Shanghai and Buenos Aires, usually via Europe. In contrast, China Eastern’s new schedule offers a faster alternative and a rare aerial view of some of the world’s most remote regions.
Yet the crown for the world’s longest nonstop flight remains with Singapore Airlines’ Singapore–New York service, while Qantas’ Project Sunrise aims to challenge that title with future nonstop flights from Sydney to London.
Key Takeaway
For travelers eager to experience a groundbreaking Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight, China Eastern now provides the quickest scheduled option—complete with a brief Auckland layover.
It’s a milestone in global aviation that not only connects two distant continents but also sets a bold standard in long-haul travel.
