China Eastern to launch what could be the world’s longest direct flight
Shanghai to Buenos Aires route would cover about 12,500 miles with a two-hour Auckland layover, joining the ranks of ultra-long-haul services.
China Eastern Airlines plans what could be the world’s longest direct passenger route, linking Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini International Airport. The service would cover about 12,500 miles and is slated to take roughly 25.5 hours on the outbound leg, with the return journey extending to about 29 hours, according to CNN reports.
The two weekly flights, designated MU745 and MU746, are scheduled to begin December 4. While marketed as direct, the route includes a two-hour stop in Auckland, New Zealand, a stop that helps the carrier trim overall travel time by avoiding longer detours over landmasses. The path traverses remote oceanic waters near Antarctica, a course described by the airline as part of an effort to shorten Asia-Pacific to South America connections. The Shanghai Pudong–Auckland–Buenos Aires route has been described by China Eastern as the world’s first commercial service linking antipodal cities.
The flight plan is framed as part of a broader push to establish a new “Air Silk Road” channel between the Asia-Pacific region and South America, the airline said. Before this route, travelers between China and Argentina typically faced journeys longer than 30 hours with layovers. Ticket prices for the new route span roughly £1,130 to £1,670 ($1,525 to $2,254) in economy class, while business class is priced around £3,700 ($4,994).
Industry trackers list the quickest Shanghai–Buenos Aires option at about 29 hours, with a roughly 1 hour and 25 minute connection in Amsterdam, and a price of about £2,050 on a sample date. A cheaper option at £922 can take about 54 hours and 43 minutes with three connections.
The development comes as other carriers outline ultra-long-haul plans. Qantas has announced a rival route set to launch in 2027 that would involve roughly 20 hours of flying time one way, with the return leg approaching 29 hours according to current projections.
At an International Air Transport Association conference in June, Qantas outlined expected onboard improvements for such a long flight. The Times reported that economy passengers on the proposed route would enjoy the airline’s largest-ever legroom in economy, estimated at about 84 centimeters. The aircraft would feature USB-C ports for fast charging, a 33-centimeter TV screen, and enhanced storage and foot-net provisions to accommodate long-haul passengers.
The Shanghai–Buenos Aires service is part of a broader effort by China Eastern to expand long-haul capabilities from Asia to the Americas. While the route promises time savings versus typical itineraries, travelers should anticipate a lengthy journey that tests endurance and demands careful planning for rest and connectivity. As the industry weighs the merits and risks of such ultra-long direct hops, observers note that operational challenges—ranging from weather conditions over remote oceanic zones to airport slot availability—will determine the cadence and profitability of these pioneering routes.