On December 4, 2023, China Eastern Airlines inaugurated the world’s longest one-stop scheduled passenger service, connecting Shanghai to Buenos Aires via Auckland. The route spans approximately 29 hours and covers a distance of 10,627 nautical miles (about 19,681 kilometers) each way, surpassing the previous record held by Aircalin’s route from Nouméa to Paris via Bangkok.
This new service is significant not just for its length but also for its timing, coinciding with the Christmas season and peak travel periods in the Southern Hemisphere. The route will operate twice a week, utilizing the Boeing 777-300ER, which features a three-class configuration with a total capacity of 316 seats.
China Eastern’s entry into this market is noteworthy, as it marks the first time a member of the SkyTeam alliance has offered passenger flights to South America. The airline joins Air China, which operates a route from Beijing to São Paulo via Madrid, although that service is shorter and covers less distance.
New Opportunities in Air Travel
The introduction of this route comes after a significant gap in direct flights between Auckland and Buenos Aires, as the last nonstop service ended in 2020 when Air New Zealand suspended operations due to the pandemic. With the reinstatement of flights, this connection benefits both passenger and freight traffic, especially considering the fifth freedom traffic rights that allow China Eastern to carry passengers between Auckland and Buenos Aires.
According to booking data, over 96,000 round-trip passengers traveled between China and Buenos Aires in the year leading up to September 2025, with nearly 26,000 of those flying directly from Shanghai. The recent change in visa regulations, allowing Argentine citizens to visit China visa-free for up to 30 days, is expected to further stimulate demand.
The flight schedule is as follows:
– **Shanghai to Auckland**: Departing Mondays and Thursdays at 02:00, arriving at 18:30.
– **Auckland to Buenos Aires**: Departing Mondays at 20:30 and Thursdays at 20:55.
– **Buenos Aires to Auckland**: Departing Tuesdays and Fridays at 02:00, arriving at 08:40 the following day.
– **Auckland to Shanghai**: Departing Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:40, arriving at 18:00.
Market Potential and Economic Impact
The demand for this route is underscored by the growing population of people of Chinese descent in Argentina, estimated at over 350,000. This demographic shift has contributed to the increasing interest in travel between the two countries. Furthermore, the average fare between Auckland and Buenos Aires is currently around USD 1,661 each way, indicating the potential for lucrative premium traffic.
With only two weekly flights, China Eastern has the opportunity to strategically price its seats, ensuring a balance between filling capacity and achieving profitable yields. The airline is also likely to focus on the Shanghai-Buenos Aires segment, as well as connecting traffic between Auckland and Buenos Aires.
By tapping into this under-served market, China Eastern aims to establish itself as a key player in the trans-Pacific air travel landscape, while also addressing freight demands, which are anticipated to be significant given the aircraft’s substantial cargo capacity.
As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, this new service represents a remarkable achievement for China Eastern and an exciting development for travelers seeking connections between Asia and South America.
