By Mewati Sitaram
China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has launched the world’s longest one-way commercial flight with the inauguration of its Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires service on December 4, marking a major milestone in long-haul aviation and trans-Pacific connectivity.
The inaugural flight covered nearly 20,000 km and carried 282 passengers, reducing total travel time from about 30 hours to roughly 25 hours. It is the first direct air link between Shanghai and a major South American city, creating a new “southbound corridor” across the Pacific and offering an alternative to traditional transfer routes via Europe or North America.
The route is operated using Boeing 777-300ER wide-body aircraft. Flight MU745 departs Shanghai for Buenos Aires on Mondays and Thursdays, while the return service MU746 operates on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Adding a cultural dimension to the launch, the inaugural service was operated with CEA’s “National Museum of China”-themed aircraft. Jointly designed with the National Museum of China, the special livery features motifs inspired by iconic Chinese artefacts, earning it the nickname “an art gallery in the sky”.
CEA held a brief inaugural ceremony at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, complete with Argentine-themed décor. Passengers were treated to special beverages and meals, including chilled Argentine red shrimp, M5 steak and roast chicken. The airline has also introduced a Spanish-language hotline to assist international travellers.
Beyond passenger travel, the route strengthens trade links across Asia-Pacific and Latin America. With fifth freedom rights, CEA can handle passenger and cargo transfers in Auckland, supporting seamless movement between China, New Zealand and Argentina. On the return leg, the aircraft carried fresh produce including Argentine cherries and Chilean salmon, underscoring the route’s growing role as a new air bridge across the Pacific.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
