Friday, June 27, 2025

In a groundbreaking move for international air travel, China Eastern Airlines has announced a new route that will set a record for the world’s longest flight. Beginning this December, the airline will operate a twice-weekly service linking Shanghai, Auckland, and Buenos Aires. This service is expected to attract considerable attention, as it is the first-ever direct connection between Shanghai and South America, making it an essential addition to the global aviation network.

The new Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires flight will take passengers on a unique journey. While travelers will make a stopover in Auckland, they will not need to switch planes. This streamlined service makes it easier for passengers to travel between Shanghai and Buenos Aires, providing a direct link to Argentina for the first time. Additionally, the route is the only scheduled service between China and Argentina, highlighting the significance of this new connection for travelers heading to the South American region.

Alongside the launch of the new flight route, New Zealand has made a significant update to its visa policies. Starting in November 2025, Chinese travelers transiting through New Zealand airports will no longer need a transit visa. Instead, they will only require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This change, announced by the New Zealand government, is expected to simplify travel for Chinese passengers and facilitate smoother connections between China, New Zealand, and South America.

The policy update aligns with the launch of China Eastern Airlines’ new route and enhances Auckland Airport’s position as a competitive transfer hub. With the streamlined visa process, travelers can more easily transit through Auckland without the need for complex visa requirements, making it a convenient gateway for those traveling between China and Argentina.

As aviation experts have noted, this new route is set to become the longest flight in the world, including its stopover. The route will surpass the current longest flight operated by Air China’s Beijing–Madrid–São Paulo service. According to aviation bloggers, the Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route will exceed the current distance, solidifying its place in aviation history. This unprecedented length underscores China Eastern Airlines’ commitment to offering unique and long-haul flight services to meet the growing demand for international connectivity.

From a market perspective, this new route could significantly alter the aviation landscape in the South Pacific. Traditionally, Sydney has been the dominant hub for connecting travelers between Australasia and South America. With the launch of this new service, passengers now have an alternative route that bypasses Sydney, offering more options for travel between the regions. The shift could reduce dependency on Sydney and lead to the rise of Auckland as a key transit hub for travelers heading to South America.

In recent years, South America has become an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists. Argentina, in particular, has seen a rise in Chinese visitors, attracted by its rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of South America,” is a prime destination for travelers seeking a blend of European-style architecture and Latin American flair. With the introduction of this direct flight service, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Argentina is expected to increase significantly.

According to the Argentine Tourism Board, China is one of the fastest-growing source markets for South American tourism. In 2019, more than 80,000 Chinese nationals visited Argentina, and with the new flight route in operation, that number is expected to exceed 100,000. This surge in tourism is expected to have a positive impact on Argentina’s economy, particularly in the travel, hospitality, and retail sectors.

In addition to benefiting travelers heading to South America, the new route will also strengthen Auckland Airport’s position as a major international transfer point. Auckland’s status as a key hub for connecting passengers will be further bolstered by the increased number of travelers passing through the city en route to Buenos Aires. The introduction of the New Zealand government’s transit visa facilitation for Chinese travelers adds further incentive for passengers to use Auckland as their transit point.

Auckland Airport’s CEO noted that the new flight service from Shanghai Pudong Airport would bring more transfer passengers not only from China but also from Europe and other regions. The airport will also cater to New Zealand’s South American diaspora, estimated to number around 40,000 people, offering them a more convenient and direct travel option to visit family and friends in South America.

The launch of China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route is a significant milestone in the world of air travel. The route not only sets a new record for the world’s longest flight but also reshapes the travel dynamics between the South Pacific and South America. As the airline connects more regions with fewer stopovers and easier transit options, it will likely pave the way for future developments in long-haul travel. The integration of New Zealand’s transit visa policy further supports the expansion of this route and enhances the region’s role as a crucial hub for international travelers.

(Source: China Eastern Airlines, New Zealand Government, Argentine Tourism Board)

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