First Airline in Mainland China Now Serves All Six Continents
China Eastern’s New Long-Haul Route
China Eastern Airlines has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking long-haul service that will connect Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China with Buenos Aires, Argentina, via Auckland Airport in New Zealand. This service is expected to launch by the end of 2025.
The announcement, made during the 2025 North Bund International Aviation Forum in Shanghai, highlights China Eastern’s ambition to enhance its international reach and solidify its position among Chinese airlines serving global destinations.
Route Details and Significance
This new route positions China Eastern as the first mainland Chinese airline to operate passenger flights on all six inhabited continents. The journey, covering approximately 20,000 km (12,000 miles), will feature a single stopover in Auckland. Passengers can expect the overall travel time to range from 25 to 29 hours, including layovers.
Scheduled to operate twice a week starting December 2025, the flights will utilize long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER, which accommodates about 316 passengers across three classes. This expansion significantly strengthens China Eastern’s intercontinental capabilities, providing a new travel link between East Asia and South America.
Additionally, reviving the route between New Zealand and Argentina enables smoother, one-ticket connections for travelers from both regions.
China Eastern’s Hub and Global Network
Shanghai Pudong acts as the primary international hub for China Eastern Airlines. In 2024, the airline recorded 8.36 million international transfer passengers, contributing to over 80% of its transfer traffic. This figure rose by 26.8% in the first half of 2025, emphasizing the airport’s growing importance in global transit.
Since 2024, China Eastern has expanded its network with 23 new medium- and long-haul international routes, engaging with 21 countries as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. With this new service to Argentina, the airline asserts its leadership among Chinese airlines in network size and connectivity.
Implications for Latin American Connectivity
The launch of this route introduces the first direct connection between mainland China and South America offered by a Chinese airline. This strategic move is anticipated to reduce travel times, fostering stronger trade, tourism, and cultural ties between the continents.
The Auckland stopover serves as a southern hemisphere hub, optimizing airspace and streamlining operations for long-haul travelers. This development marks a new chapter for Argentina and South America in terms of collaboration with the aviation sector in Asia, likely leading to increased tourist traffic, cargo exchanges, and business collaborations.
Conclusion
China Eastern’s forthcoming Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route marks a significant milestone, enabling the airline to serve all inhabited continents while reinforcing Shanghai Pudong’s status as a vital global hub.
This new connection reflects not only the airline’s ambitions but also China’s evolving role in shaping the landscape of international aviation.
Are you excited about this new link between China and South America? Let us know your thoughts!
