By Shumaila Aslam
Scandinavian News Finland
Bureau Chief Pakistan
Shanghai, China China Eastern Airlines has officially launched the world’s longest direct flight, connecting Shanghai, China, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The new route covers an impressive distance of 19,631 kilometers and significantly reduces travel time for passengers traveling between Asia and South America.
The flight duration from Shanghai to Buenos Aires is approximately 25.5 hours, while the return journey takes up to 29 hours due to strong headwinds.
Although the route includes a two-hour technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand, passengers remain on the same aircraft, making it officially a direct flight. This stop allows passengers to rest and for minor technical checks to be conducted.
China Eastern Airlines will operate the route using the Boeing 777-300ER, with flights scheduled twice a week. The airline aims to offer a comfortable long-haul experience for travelers with modern seating, in-flight entertainment, and meal services designed for ultra-long flights.
Aviation experts have described this flight as a milestone in global air travel, noting that such ultra-long routes require careful planning for fuel, crew rotations, and passenger comfort. The launch highlights the growing trend of airlines connecting distant continents with non-stop or near non-stop services, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Passengers traveling on this flight will experience a unique journey, flying over multiple continents, oceans, and time zones in a single route. China Eastern Airlines emphasized that safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort are the highest priorities on this new long-haul service.
Read more about the latest long-haul flight routes here.
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