Yang Shi Wang·2025-12-04 06:54Core Viewpoint - China Eastern Airlines has launched a new flight route from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, which is the longest direct flight in the world, covering approximately 20,000 kilometers and significantly enhancing connectivity between China, New Zealand, and Argentina [1][3]. Group 1: Flight Details - The new route operates two round-trip flights per week and fills the gap for direct flights from Shanghai to key cities in South America, establishing a "southbound corridor" across the Pacific [3]. - The flight duration has been reduced from nearly 30 hours to 25 hours by utilizing a stopover in Auckland, offering advantages such as visa-free transit and reduced time zone differences [3][5]. Group 2: Passenger Benefits - Passengers can travel directly to Buenos Aires without changing planes, saving time and costs, with travel times reduced by five to six hours compared to previous options [5]. - The flight has successfully obtained fifth freedom rights, allowing it to pick up and drop off passengers and cargo in Auckland, thus enhancing logistics options for China, New Zealand, and Argentina [5][7]. Group 3: Market Impact - The new route facilitates faster access for high-value agricultural products from New Zealand and Argentina to the Chinese market, while also enabling Chinese goods to reach South America more efficiently [7]. - As of now, China has established air links with 83 countries, with over 900 international flights daily, and the passenger flight volume between China and Belt and Road Initiative countries is projected to reach 73.5% by the winter-spring season of 2025-2026 [9].