Nathalia Urban by Milenna Saraiva

This section is dedicated to the memory of journalist Nathalia Urban, internationalist and pioneer of the Global South.

Nathalia Urban
HOME > Global South

World's longest direct flight: China Eastern will operate a route from Shanghai to Buenos Aires in up to 29 hours.

The route will cover approximately 20 km.

China Eastern Airlines plane (Photo: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters)

247 China Eastern Airlines will begin operating the Shanghai (Pudong) – Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) route on December 4th, considered the world's longest flight. The route will cover approximately 20 kilometers, mostly over the Pacific Ocean.

The estimated travel time is 25 hours and 30 minutes. In the opposite direction, with less favorable winds, the duration could reach 29 hours, not counting possible delays at the technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand.

Currently, the longest flight belongs to Singapore Airlines, which connects Singapore to New York (JFK) in about 18 to 19 hours non-stop. That's 15,3 km. With the China Eastern route, the difference will be significant: up to 10 hours more in duration and almost 5 additional kilometers of travel.

Cost and recommendations

The announced prices for the first operating dates start at US$1.715 (approximately R$9.400) for economy class and from US$5.000 (over R$27) for business class. Prices may vary depending on demand and how far in advance the ticket is purchased.

A long trip requires preparation. Experts recommend constant hydration, as the cabin air is dry. Stretching and walking every few hours are important to reduce circulatory risks. Strategic sleep, with a mask, neck pillow, and light meals are other recommendations.

More details about the Chinese company.

Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd. is one of China's three largest state-owned airline groups, according to information released in... platform The company operates a fleet of over 800 aircraft, one of the youngest in the world. It also boasts an air transport network covering more than 1.000 destinations in 160 countries and regions, serving over 140 million passengers annually and ranking among the top ten airlines in the world.

Currently, China Eastern operates dual hub systems in the municipalities of Beijing and Shanghai, in addition to regional hubs in Xi'an, Kunming, and other major cities. Its network covers all provincial capitals and airports, handling over 10 million passengers annually, and it operates more than 100 domestic and international offices.

The company originated from the first civil aviation squadron, established in Shanghai in January 1957. The company is publicly listed on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges. China Eastern is the global launch customer for the domestically manufactured C919 aircraft and currently operates the largest fleet of C919 aircraft, serving the largest number of commercial routes with this aircraft.

Related Articles