In a historic leap for global aviation, China Eastern Airlines launched the world's longest single-flight route connecting Shanghai to Buenos Aires on December 4, 2025. The inaugural flight MU745 departed Pudong International Airport early Thursday, marking a new era in transhemispheric travel.
The 20,000-kilometer route strategically includes a refueling stop in Auckland, New Zealand, while maintaining its status as a single-flight service. This innovation reduces total travel time between China and Argentina by over four hours compared to traditional connecting flights.
Economic and Cultural Bridge
The new route strengthens ties between Asia and South America, with analysts predicting:
Enhanced business connectivity for tech and agricultural sectors
Streamlined supply chains for lithium and rare earth minerals
Increased tourism opportunities in both directions
China Eastern Airlines CEO Li Yangmin stated: "This achievement demonstrates our commitment to advancing global connectivity while maintaining operational efficiency. Our specially configured Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft ensures passenger comfort throughout the extended journey."
Technical Marvel
Aviation experts highlight the flight's significance in:
Pushing boundaries of modern aircraft endurance
Optimizing fuel efficiency through advanced navigation systems
Setting new standards for long-haul crew management
The route comes as bilateral trade between China and Argentina reaches $25 billion this year, with both nations recently expanding their strategic partnership in renewable energy projects.
