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China Eastern Airlines debuts a Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight—29 hours of globe-spanning travel with a brief Auckland stop, redefining ultra-long air routes.
A Record-Setting Journey Across the Globe
Travelers can now book seats on the Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight, a bold new service from China Eastern Airlines launching December 4. Operating twice weekly on a Boeing 777-300ER, the route covers almost 19,000 kilometers and takes 25.5 hours eastbound and up to 29 hours westbound, making it the world’s longest direct commercial route.
Direct but Not Truly Nonstop
While the airline promotes it as direct, the trip includes a two-hour layover in Auckland, New Zealand. Passengers remain on the same aircraft but can disembark briefly, allowing the flight to qualify as direct even without being nonstop.
Ultra-Long Flight Showdown
| Route & Airline | Distance | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai–Buenos Aires (China Eastern) | ~19,000 km | 25.5–29 hrs | 1 (Auckland) |
| Singapore–New York (Singapore Airlines) | 15,349 km | ~18 hrs | Nonstop |
| Sydney–London (Qantas planned) | ~16,100 km | ~20 hrs | Nonstop (planned) |
This table shows how China Eastern outdistances current contenders while offering the first commercial link between true antipodal cities—points on opposite sides of the Earth.
The “Air Silk Road” Advantage
China Eastern calls the new service part of an Air Silk Road that strengthens aviation ties between Asia-Pacific and South America. By flying an unusual southerly path close to Antarctica, the airline expects to save about four hours compared with northern routes.
Competing for Long-Haul Glory
Alternatives such as Air France or Lufthansa typically require 31 hours with European stopovers. China Eastern trims those times while adding a spectacular remote flight path.
Still, Singapore Airlines retains the record for the longest nonstop flight with its Singapore–New York service, and Qantas’ Project Sunrise aims to challenge it with future Sydney–London operations.
Final Thoughts
For anyone seeking the fastest Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight, China Eastern’s new route provides an unmatched option—long, scenic, and historic. It’s a milestone for global travel and a bold leap in the race for ultra-long flight supremacy.