Core Points - China Eastern Airlines (CEA) inaugurated a new Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route on December 4, 2025, marking the first direct flight from Shanghai to a major South American city, thus creating a new "southbound corridor" across the Pacific [1][4] - The inaugural flight was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER and carried 282 passengers on a 20,000-kilometer journey, reducing travel time from approximately 30 hours to about 25 hours, setting a record for the world's longest one-way commercial flight [1][2] - The route allows CEA to handle passenger and cargo transfers in Auckland without aircraft change, enhancing trade between China, New Zealand, and Argentina [3][4] Service Enhancements - CEA's new route features a themed aircraft, "National Museum of China," designed in collaboration with the National Museum of China, showcasing motifs from the museum's artifacts [2] - The airline has introduced a Spanish-language hotline to assist travelers, enhancing its international service offerings [2] - Passengers on the inaugural flight enjoyed special beverages and Argentine dishes, highlighting the cultural exchange aspect of the new route [2] Trade and Cultural Exchange - The route facilitates a cold-chain direct delivery channel from Argentina to China, with the return flight carrying 2.1 tonnes of Argentine cherries and 10.5 tonnes of fresh Chilean salmon [4] - The complementary seasons between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are expected to attract travelers, promoting cultural exchanges between the Asia-Pacific and Latin America [4]