Yang Shi Xin Wen·2025-12-04 02:32Core Viewpoint - China Eastern Airlines has launched the world's longest commercial flight route, connecting Shanghai to Buenos Aires via Auckland, significantly shortening travel time between China and South America by over four hours [1][3]. Group 1: Flight Details - The new route covers approximately 20,000 kilometers, establishing an "air bridge" between China, Oceania, and South America [1]. - The service will operate two round-trip flights weekly using Boeing 777-300 aircraft [3]. - The route fills a gap in direct flights from Shanghai to major cities in South America, creating a "southbound corridor" across the Pacific [3]. Group 2: Advantages of the New Route - Compared to traditional routes that require transfers through Europe, the Middle East, or North America, the new "southbound corridor" offers a shorter and more time-efficient journey, with more convenient transit policies and less time zone difference [5]. - Passengers benefit from a direct flight experience with minimal layover time, leading to significant savings in time and costs, as evidenced by the nearly full occupancy of the inaugural flight [7]. Group 3: Economic and Logistical Impact - The route has secured fifth freedom rights, allowing the transport of passengers and cargo in Auckland, enhancing logistics options for China, New Zealand, and Argentina [8]. - High-value agricultural products from New Zealand and Argentina can reach the Chinese market more quickly, while Chinese goods can be delivered directly to South America [10]. Group 4: Broader Industry Implications - The expansion of long-haul routes is expected to improve China's international flight network, which currently connects to 83 countries and has over 900 international flights daily [11]. - The growth in flight volumes between China and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative is projected to reach 73.5% by the 2025-2026 winter-spring season, with significant increases in passenger traffic to Latin America and Africa [13].