China Eastern Airlines is promoting the route as the "world's longest direct flight," connecting antipodal cities (cities on opposite sides of the earth). The route, serviced by a Boeing 777-300ER wide-body aircraft, will operate twice a week starting 4/12. The flight from Shanghai (PVG) to Buenos Aires (EZE) takes about 25.5 hours, while the return trip takes 29 hours.

Notably, both flights have a two-hour stopover in Auckland, New Zealand. China Eastern explains this is considered a "direct" flight because it uses the same aircraft and flight number. However, it's not classified as one of the world's longest non-stop flights.

A China Eastern aircraft. Photo: Skytrax

A China Eastern aircraft. Photo: Skytrax

The title of world's longest non-stop flight currently belongs to Singapore Airlines. Their flight connects Singapore Changi Airport and New York's JFK Airport, covering 15,349 km in over 18 hours. This aviation feat was experienced and praised by CNN reporter Richard Quest in 10/2018.

According to Skyscanner, the fastest flights from Shanghai to Buenos Aires typically take over 30 hours and involve transiting through a European city like Paris or Amsterdam. Compared to these options, China Eastern's flight offers a more novel route.

One-way economy class tickets are currently available on China Eastern's website, priced between 1,538 USD and 2,270 USD. Flat-bed seats in business class cost at least 5,000 USD each way.

Here's a ranking of the world's longest direct flights published by Business Traveler USA:

Hoai Anh (According to CNN, Business Traveler USA)