Currently, the world's longest flight is operated by Singapore Airlines, from Singapore to New York (JFK Airport), with a flight time of 18 hours and 40 minutes during which passengers can witness two sunrises. However, this record is about to be broken. China Eastern Airlines plans to launch a new route from Shanghai to Buenos Aires this December. This route will transfer in Auckland, New Zealand, and will take about 26 hours to reach Argentina. The return journey will take even longer, up to 29 hours.
In June this year, China Eastern Airlines signed an agreement with Auckland Airport in Shanghai, planning to open commercial flights this December from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, connecting through Auckland Airport, and heading to Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport in Argentina.
This new route is expected to be operated with Boeing 777 aircraft, twice a week. According to Shanghai's Jiefang Daily, once this route opens, it will fill the gap of direct flights from Shanghai to South America and will become the only direct route between China and Argentina (though a stopover is required, passengers do not need to change planes).
The Jiefang Daily also pointed out that compared to traditional routes transiting in Europe or North America to reach South America, China Eastern’s choice to stop in New Zealand shortens the overall distance, reduces total flying time, and offers an advantage of less jet lag during transit. In addition, China Eastern will apply for fifth freedom rights for this route, allowing it to board and disembark passengers and cargo in Auckland.
According to Yicai, the reason for the Auckland stop is that the direct distance from Shanghai to Buenos Aires exceeds 20,000 kilometers, and currently no aircraft model can fly this non-stop.
At present, most flights from China to South America transit through Europe or North America, which takes even longer. With China Eastern choosing to transfer in New Zealand this time, the flight time is shorter and passengers do not need to change planes.