China Eastern Airlines has confirmed the launch of what will become one of the world’s longest direct air routes. Starting 4 December, the carrier will operate flights twice a week between Shanghai and Buenos Aires — two cities located almost directly opposite each other on the globe.
The Argentine government approved the new service and published the decision in its official gazette.
The route spans roughly 20,000 kilometres. According to China Eastern, the flight to Argentina will take about 25.5 hours, while the return leg is expected to last 29 hours.
Despite its “direct” designation, the flight will not be completely nonstop. The Boeing 777-300ER will make a technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand, for refuelling and a crew change. As reported by aviation magazine Aero, passengers will be allowed to leave the aircraft briefly during the two-hour layover.
The new direct link will compete with Lufthansa’s existing Shanghai–Buenos Aires connection via its hub in Frankfurt.