Airborne marathon in sight: starting from December 4, 2025, China Eastern Airlines launches the longest direct flight in the world: from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, covering nearly 20,000 km in up to 29 hours. “Direct,” but with a technical stop of two hours in Auckland for refueling, all aboard a Boeing 777-300 connecting for the first time two truly antipodal cities.
Starting from December 4, 2025, China Eastern Airlines launches an air marathon connecting Shanghai to Buenos Aires over nearly 20,000 km, with a record travel time of up to 29 hours. Operated on a Boeing 777-300, this “direct” route makes a two-hour technical stop in Auckland for refueling. Two weekly frequencies are offered, with tickets starting from around €1,400 in economy and €5,000 in business class, and the promise of a commercial first linking antipodal cities: welcome aboard flight MU745/MU746, potentially the longest direct flight in the world.
China Eastern is deploying a new air bridge between Asia and South America: flight MU745/MU746 will connect Shanghai-Pudong Airport to Buenos Aires starting December 4, 2025. An interesting detail for a “direct” flight: a two-hour stop in Auckland allows the triple-seven to refuel and, if needed, drop off New Zealand passengers, while those continuing to Argentina or returning to China stay onboard. In one direction, it will take about 25 h 55 to complete the journey; in the other, up to 29 hours, all over a distance that approaches half the Earth’s circumference.
From Shanghai to Buenos Aires: an aerial marathon via Auckland
On paper, the route seems simple: Shanghai → Auckland → Buenos Aires. In reality, it is an endurance feat. The outbound segment (MU745) covers the Asia–Oceania–South America arc in about 25 h 55, while the return (MU746) climbs to 29 hours depending on winds and flight paths. The company announces a commercial first connecting two antipodal cities, these diametrically opposed points on the globe that, in the past, only existed together on maps.
Boeing 777-300: the athlete of long-haul flights
The mission is entrusted to the Boeing 777-300, a giant capable of tackling these titanic distances with a reliability that has built its reputation. On board, passengers embark on an experience designed for duration: tailored lighting, services in several sequences, sweet breaks during the technical stop in Auckland, and, above all, a crew trained for airborne marathons. To make the most of these 29 hours, stay hydrated, move regularly, and synchronize your sleep with the arrival.
Frequencies and prices: twice a week, from around €1,400
The route will be operated twice a week in each direction. Prices start around €1,400 in economy class and are around €5,000 in business class (subject to changes based on the period and demand). To gauge pricing trends in Europe, a detour through this analysis of flight prices to Spain can help read the market. Want to package everything at the right moment? The offers from Air France Holidays provide ideas to optimize a long-haul budget, even if the route is not operated by Air France.
Direct does not mean without a stop
The term direct refers to a flight that retains the same number from departure to arrival, even if a stop occurs along the way. Here, Auckland serves as a technical stop for fuel and, sometimes, for passenger boarding/deboarding. Unlike a non-stop flight, one thus remains on the ground for two hours, but does not change either the aircraft or the flight number. Subtle, but essential for record enthusiasts.
Records and rivalries in the sky
Until now, the throne for the longest non-stop flight belonged to SQ23 from Singapore Airlines between New York-JFK and Singapore, with about 18 h 50 of non-stop flight. In terms of upcoming projects, Qantas aims for 2027 for a Sydney–London route of around 20 hours. China Eastern’s novelty stands out differently: it is the longest direct flight (with a technical stop), and likely the first commercial route linking true antipodes. Another milestone in the race for ultra-long-haul flights, where every minute gained or conceded makes history.
Practical tips and travel procedures
With 29 hours ahead, strategy is key. Choose a seat that suits you (aisle if you move often), break up your meals, stretch during the stop in Auckland, and set your watch to the arrival time zone as soon as you board. As for formalities, check transit conditions and health requirements well in advance: the evolutions in travel procedures can impact your visa, e-authorization, and required documents. It’s better to have a ready dossier than a last-minute sprint at the boarding gate.
Long itineraries, new horizons
Technological advances extend the range of aircraft and shrink our planet. Beyond this Asia–South America route, the demand for direct flights is skyrocketing everywhere, from connections to overseas territories to newly popular routes. The trend is universal: even American players are energizing their networks, as evidenced by the recent news from Avelo Airlines launching new direct flights. Every new opening creates economic, cultural, and tourist bridges, redistributing the cards of global connectivity.
Want to extend the adventure and optimize your itinerary?
To turn this record into a memorable journey, think about the before and after: recovery nights, city breaks, and clever stopovers. A well-crafted package through custom stays can smoothen the budget and fatigue. And to keep an eye on regional pricing trends to set your dates at the right time, take a glance at the price analyses that help to read the dips and peaks of demand. On 20,000 km, every detail counts as much as the fuel load.
