China Eastern Airlines has made a significant leap in aviation history by launching the world’s longest one-stop scheduled passenger service. On December 4, 2023, the airline commenced its route from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, making a stop in Auckland. This new service stretches nearly 29 hours and covers approximately 10,627 nautical miles (19,681 kilometers) each way, surpassing the previous record held by Aircalin’s route from Nouméa to Paris Charles de Gaulle via Bangkok.
The service operates twice a week and is strategically timed to coincide with the holiday season in the Southern Hemisphere, providing a timely travel option for vacationers. This flight will utilize the Boeing 777-300ER, which is configured to accommodate 316 seats across three classes, including first-class offerings. The aircraft is also notable for its substantial freight capacity, an essential feature for this newly established link.
Connecting Continents with New Opportunities
The introduction of this route marks the first time that China Eastern has offered passenger flights to South America. Not only does it enhance connectivity between China and Argentina, but it also reinstates direct air travel between Auckland and Buenos Aires, which has been absent since early 2020 after Air New Zealand suspended its services due to the pandemic. This shift comes at a time when the demand for travel between these regions is growing, particularly among the large Chinese community in Argentina, which numbers over 50,000 individuals of Chinese descent.
Booking data indicates that in the year leading up to September 2025, around 96,000 round-trip passengers traveled between China and Buenos Aires, with the Shanghai to Buenos Aires segment being the most trafficked. The recent policy change allowing Argentinians to visit China visa-free for up to 30 days is expected to stimulate further growth in passenger volumes.
Despite the long journey, some challenges remain. The flight from Buenos Aires departs at an inconvenient 2:00 AM, which may deter some travelers, especially those in economy class who will experience the lengthy travel time with limited amenities. Nevertheless, China Eastern is likely to adapt its pricing strategies to ensure the sustainability of this new service while focusing primarily on the Shanghai-Buenos Aires market.
Market Dynamics and Future Prospects
The market for traveling between Auckland and Buenos Aires represents another opportunity for China Eastern, as previous carriers have withdrawn from this route. Aerolíneas Argentinas and Air New Zealand previously served this connection, with a total of 31,000 passengers recorded in 2019. However, in the year leading up to September 2025, this number dropped to approximately 9,000 travelers, indicating a significant gap that China Eastern aims to fill by offering direct flights.
The average fare for flights between Auckland and Buenos Aires currently stands at a competitive USD 1,661 each way. The lack of airline choice and strong demand for premium travel are key factors that could work in China Eastern’s favor. With limited seats available on this new route, the airline may avoid aggressive discounting, allowing it to maintain healthy yields.
As the airline embarks on this ambitious route, the focus will be on developing both passenger and freight services. With a total of nine flights per week from Shanghai to Auckland, the introduction of the Buenos Aires service enhances the overall connectivity of the route network, promising potential growth in both regions.
In conclusion, China Eastern’s new long-haul service not only sets a record but also represents a significant step in connecting the Asia-Pacific region with South America. As demand grows and travel conditions improve, the airline’s strategic expansion is poised to reshape travel options between these distant continents.
