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New Zealand’s role as a connector between Asia and the Americas reached a milestone on Thursday with China Eastern Airlines launching its new Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires service, one of the world’s longest direct flights.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui says the connection delivers benefits for New Zealand’s visitor economy, business sector and international links.
“This is a strategic and important connection for New Zealand because it deepens our aviation links with China and re-establishes our direct access to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It strengthens global mobility for travellers, opens new opportunities for exporters and education providers, and supports a more resilient, diversified aviation network for the country.”
The new service links China Eastern’s Shanghai Pudong hub with Auckland and onwards to Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport. Announced in June 2025 at a ceremony in Shanghai attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston, the twice-weekly service is China Eastern’s first connection between China and South America.
The full Shanghai–Buenos Aires journey is around 25.5 hours, with up to 29 hours on the return. Travellers disembark in Auckland for a scheduled two-hour transit or can stop if New Zealand is their destination. China Eastern classifies the route as a single direct service, placing Auckland at the centre of one of global aviation’s most ambitious long-haul connections.
Carrie says the launch builds on a long-standing partnership between Auckland Airport and China Eastern.
“China Eastern has been a valued airline partner for more than a decade, steadily growing its presence in New Zealand since first entering the market in 2014. Today it’s the largest Chinese carrier operating to New Zealand, connecting Auckland with four cities – Shanghai, Hangzhou, Sydney and Buenos Aires – across three continents. This new route further strengthens our partnership and opens the door to commercial, cultural and tourism opportunities across all three regions.”
The route is expected to deliver benefits for tourism, trade and education. Travel between New Zealand and South America reached about 94,000 passengers in the past year, around two-thirds of pre-pandemic levels, indicating potential for further growth. Air trade between the two regions totalled NZ$129 million in the year to October 2025, up 11 per cent on the previous year.
The flight is expected to attract high-value visitors from both China and Argentina, while also offering New Zealanders a competitive travel option to South America. About 40,000 South Americans now live in New Zealand, contributing to visiting-friends-and-relatives travel.
Carrie says the new service aligns with Auckland Airport’s broader ambition to position New Zealand as an important travel and trade hub.
“We’re investing to ensure Auckland is an efficient, future-ready international gateway — from expanded aircraft stands and taxiways to the major terminal upgrades now underway ahead of our new domestic jet terminal opening in 2029. These developments help ensure we can support long-haul airline partners like China Eastern and deliver a fast, seamless transit experience.”
China Eastern Airlines chairman Wang Zhiqing says Auckland’s role in the new long-haul link is significant.
“Every December, while the northern hemisphere shivers in winter, the southern hemisphere bursts with warmth and energy — and right at the heart of that excitement is Auckland.
“It’s not just New Zealand’s gateway to the world, but now a dynamic hub connecting Asia and South America, bringing continents, cultures, and people closer than ever. From here, travellers can embark on an exciting journey from Shanghai to Buenos Aires via Auckland, the first-ever direct air link between China and South America.
“This route is more than a flight — it’s a symbol of cooperation, exchange, and friendship between China and South America, opening new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.”
Carrie says the launch is the culmination of years of collaboration between China Eastern, Auckland Airport, government agencies and other partners.
“We’ve worked closely to restore and expand long-haul connectivity, and today’s milestone shows what’s possible when airlines, airports and governments align around a shared ambition. We’re proud to welcome this new service and look forward to seeing it thrive.”
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown joins today’s departure flight from Auckland to Buenos Aires, highlighting the importance of the new connection for the city and wider region.
