China Eastern is launching a new “direct” service between Shanghai and Buenos Aires, marking the carrier’s first destination in South America. Passengers traveling between the two cities will be onboard the aircraft for up to 29 hours.
China Eastern Will Fly From Shanghai to Buenos Aires via Auckland
Beginning December 4, 2025, China Eastern will add 2x weekly service between Auckland Airport (AKL) and Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. This will be a continuation of China Eastern’s service between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Auckland.
The flight between Auckland and Buenos Aires will be a fifth-freedom flight, meaning the airline will have the ability to fly passengers exclusively between the two cities. Eastbound flights are blocked at 26 hours for the duration of the journey while westbound flights are blocked at a staggering 29 hours. Based on the flight times, this doesn’t appear to be a very appealing flight. Flights will operate on the following schedule:
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| MU 745 (PVG-AKL) | 2:00a | 6:30p | Mon./Thur. |
| MU 745 (AKL-EZE) | 8:55p | 4:55p | Mon./Thur. |
| MU 746 (EZE-AKL) | 2:00a | 8:40a (+1) | Tues./Fri. |
| MU 746 (AKL-PVG) | 10:40a | 6:00p (+1) | Wed./Sat. |
China Eastern will utilize Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route which are outfitted with 6 First Class, 52 Business Class, and 258 Economy Class seats.
Based on the flight timings alone, I can’t imagine that this will be a very popular route. I suspect that this is being done more for political reasons than anything else with China seeking out new allies in South America.
The longest amount of time I’ve ever spent on one aircraft was a 16 hour flight in Emirates Business Class between Dubai and Dallas. While it was a very comfortable ride, that is a long time to spend on a plane, I can’t imagine spending 29 hours onboard, especially with a 2:00a departure time. I’m curious, would any of you take this flight?
Summary
Beginning December 4, 2025, China Eastern will launch the world’s longest direct flight connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires. The flight will operate 2x weekly and is blocked at 26 hours eastbound and 29 hours westbound. The schedule isn’t particularly passenger friendly and I wonder how much success the airline will have on this route.