- Mr Plane Guy
- Nov 7
- 4 min read
China Eastern Airlines to Launch the World’s Longest Flight!
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger & Flight Expert
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes). Thanks for your support!
China Eastern Airlines is set to make aviation history this December with the launch of the world’s longest direct passenger flight, linking Shanghai (PVG) to Buenos Aires (EZE) via Auckland (AKL).
Taking off on 4 December 2025, this ultra-long route covers more than 12,200 miles and clocks in at an incredible 29 hours of total travel time (including a brief 2.5-hour transit in Auckland). Because passengers remain on the same aircraft for the entire journey, it still counts as a direct flight under IATA rules.
China Eastern’s Record-Breaking Route
Route: Shanghai (PVG) – Auckland (AKL) – Buenos Aires (EZE)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (expected)
Flight time: Up to 29 hours (return leg)
Frequency: Twice weekly
Departures from Shanghai: Mondays & Thursdays
Departures from Buenos Aires: Tuesdays & Fridays
Fares: From around £1,280 (USD 1,740) one-way from Shanghaiand £1,400 (USD 1,905) for the return
Passengers can choose between First, Business, and Economy Class, with lie-flat seats expected in China Eastern Business Class, one of the airline’s strongest selling points on long-haul routes.
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Plane Tip: If you’re connecting from another long-haul route or planning to credit your flight to a partner program, note that China Eastern is part of the SkyTeam alliance, allowing you to earn or redeem miles with partners like KLM, Air France, or Delta
Why This Flight Matters
Until now, the title of “longest one-stop direct flight” belonged to Beijing–São Paulo via Madrid, operated by Air China. But this new service pushes boundaries , overtaking even Singapore Airlines’ famous New York–Singapore route (around 19 hours non-stop), and other long-haul giants like Auckland–Doha, Perth–London, and Dallas–Melbourne.
This launch reflects a growing investment from Chinese airlines in next-generation long-range aircraft, including the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900ULR a trend also seen in my recent coverage of Xiamen Airlines’ new Avios flights to China.
This blog runs on caffeine and affiliate clicks, find your next flight to China below and keep me flying high!
Expect Elevated Service and Comfort
China Eastern Airlines has been upgrading its Business Class experience to compete with regional rivals like China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Air.If you’re curious how premium cabins on Chinese carriers compare, check out my in-depth China Southern Airlines Business Class review I cover everything from seat design to the pre-departure Champagne.
For this upcoming Buenos Aires route, passengers can expect similar touches: modern inflight entertainment, upgraded Wi-Fi, and a more refined dining service inspired by both Chinese and international cuisine.
China Eastern Check-In & Travel Tips
Online check-in: Available 48 hours before departure on the China Eastern Airlines website
Baggage allowance: Up to 2 × 23 kg for Business Class (subject to route)
Transit in Auckland: Passengers remain onboard during refuelling and crew change no need to clear customs
Plane Tip: Don’t forget the little comforts. I never board without my noise-cancelling earbuds and travel adapter with USB-C ports both from Amazon, both worth every penny on long-haul flights. You should also get a airplane bluetooth adaptor, now you could pair your headsets on China Southern some aircraft, so its worth having!
Final Boarding Call
Tickets are now available to book directly via China Eastern Airlines’ official website or through major travel platforms. With competitive fares and the novelty of flying one of the world’s longest direct routes, this is one flight that aviation fans (and endurance test lovers) won’t want to miss.
If you’re planning a trip to China soon, don’t miss my other airline insights, from Avios-friendly flights with Xiamen Air to my honest take on China Southern’s Business Class experience.
More from my Plane Blogs:
How I Went from Zero Avios to a Qatar Airways Business Class Upgrade in 3 Months
Sydney Airport Lounge Experience Plaza Premium Lounge at Sydney Kingsford Smith
Why Singapore Airport Is the Best Airport in the World
How I Traveled Business Class on Qatar Airways for Less Than £250
Review of Scoot 787 Sydney to Singapore: Low Cost in Name, Premium in Price
Blog Post: Hilton DoubleTree Beijing: A 5-Star Stay with Standout Breakfast, Spa & Service
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading China Eastern Airlines to Launch the World’s Longest Direct Flight!
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