A new era of ultra-long-haul travel is set to begin as China Eastern Airlines launches a new service that is being billed as the world’s longest flight. The route, connecting Shanghai (PVG) to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), with a stopover in Auckland, New Zealand (AKL), is scheduled to begin on December 4, 2025.
The new service is expected to be operated by a long-range aircraft, likely a Boeing 777-300ER, and will cover an astonishing distance of over 12,200 miles. The outbound journey from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, including a two-and-a-half-hour layover in Auckland where passengers remain on board, is expected to take just under 26 hours. The return trip will be even longer, at approximately 29 hours.
This route surpasses the previous record for a one-stop flight and redefines long-haul connectivity by offering a direct link between major hubs in Asia and South America, bypassing traditional stopover points in Europe or North America. The flight will be a significant new option for both business and leisure travelers and is also seen as a “diplomatic and commercial gesture” that could strengthen ties between China and South America.
While the new flight holds the record for the longest one-stop service, the title for the longest non-stop commercial flight still belongs to Singapore Airlines’ route between New York (JFK) and Singapore (SIN).
Tickets for the new Shanghai-Buenos Aires service are already available for purchase, with flights planned to operate twice a week.
For more details on the flight and to check schedules, you can visit the official China Eastern Airlines website.
- China Eastern Airlines Official Website: https://www.ceair.com/
Disclaimer
The information in this news summary is based on official announcements and reports from aviation news sources. While the airline has dubbed this the “longest flight,” it is important to note the distinction between this one-stop service and the longest non-stop flight, which is still held by another airline. All details, including schedules and aircraft type, are subject to change.
Conclusion
The launch of China Eastern Airlines’ new Shanghai-Buenos Aires route is a significant milestone in global aviation. By pioneering a new, ultra-long-haul flight with a strategic stopover, the airline is offering a unique travel option and demonstrating the continued evolution of long-distance air travel to meet the demands of an interconnected world.
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