The new record in the skies: China-Argentina flight of more than 20,000 km

Published on October 24, 2025 — By Billetaxo Team

Commercial aviation is about to reach a new historic milestone.China Eastern Airlineswill launch the new route between December 4, 2025Shanghai (China) and Buenos Aires (Argentina), which will cover approximately20,100 kilometersand is estimated to have a duration of25 to 29 hoursaccording to the direction of flight.

Although it is considered a "direct flight" in terms of a single ticket and plane, there will be atechnical stopover of about two hours in Auckland (New Zealand)where passengers could stay on board.

🌍 Why is this flight important?

Record distance and duration

By covering more than20,000 kmand overcome the24 hours in the air, this route is outlined asthe longest to datein terms of total door-to-door travel.

Key facts:

• 📏Distance: 20,100 kilometers
• ⏱️Duration: 25-29 hours (depending on direction and winds)
• 🛫Origin: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• 🛬Destination: Ministerio Pistarini International Airport, Buenos Aires (EZE)
• 🔄Technical scale: Auckland, New Zealand (~2 hours)
• 🗓️Start: December 4, 2025

Technology and operations

To sustain such an extensive operation,long range aircraft(like theBoeing 777-300ERmentioned) and logistics that coordinates:

• ✈️ Crews with adequate breaks
• ⛽ Enough fuel for the entire journey
• 🔧 Exhaustive preventive maintenance
• 🍽️ High quality onboard services
• 🛏️ Cabins adapted for ultra-long flights

Global connectivity

This route connectsAsia-Pacific with South America, reinforcing intercontinental transport networks that until now were more fragmented. It represents another step in the"aerial globalization".

Connectivity benefits:

• 🌏 Direct access between two emerging economies
• 💼 Facilitates China-Argentina bilateral trade
• 🎓 Cultural and educational exchange
• 🏭 Business connections made easy

✈️ What does it mean for the traveler?

1. New route opportunities

Travelers fromChina or Asiacan have direct access toSouth Americawith a single flight, which opens markets and expectations.

Potential connections:

• Shanghai → Buenos Aires → Connection to Chile, Uruguay, Brazil
• Asia → South America without stops in Europe or North America
• Long-distance tourism made easy

2. Extreme travel time

Although the duration is record, it impliesbe on a plane for more than a day; Therefore, it will require preparation in:

• 😴Comfort: Reclining seats, preferably business class
• 💤Rest: Ability to sleep on the plane
• 🧘Welfare: Stretching exercises, constant hydration
• ⏰Jet lag: Strategies for time adaptation (difference of ~11 hours)

3. High fees

Given the novelty and the operational cost, prices could be in ranges above the average for intercontinental flights.

Price estimates:

• 💰economy class: €1,300 - €1,900
• 💎Business class: €3,500 - €5,500 (estimated)
• 👑first class: €7,000+ (estimated)

Factors that influence the price:

• Record distance
• High operating costs
• New service
• Special equipment for ultra-long flights

4. Technical scale = still "direct"

Although it is called "direct", thestopover in Aucklandturns it into a flight withoperational stop. Passengers could remain on the plane while it is refueled.

Important differences:

• ✅Direct flight(1 flight number only, same plane)
• ⚠️With technical scale(stop for resupply)
• ❌It is NOT a non-stop flight(nonstop)

🌴 Relevance for the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean

Although the route does not directly involve the Dominican Republic, it hasimportant implicationsfor the Caribbean and the regional airline industry:

1. Raising the global connectivity standard

Ultra-long routes showWhere is aviation going?. The Caribbean must be attentive to capture part of that global flow.

Opportunities for RD:

• 🌏 Explore direct routes from Asia
• 🇨🇳 Attract Chinese tourism (growing market)
• 🔗 Establish alliances with Asian airlines
• 📈 Diversify visitor origins

2. Long distance tourism

Although the Caribbean receives many visitors fromNorth America and Europe, routes like this show that there aremore distant marketsthat could be considered.

Potential markets for RD:

• 🇨🇳 China (1.4 billion inhabitants)
• 🇮🇳 India (1.4 billion inhabitants)
• 🇯🇵 Japan (high-spending tourism)
• 🇰🇷 South Korea (wellness travel market)

3. Competitive pressure and innovation

If airlines invest in long-range flights, other routes (intermediate, regional) could benefit from:

• ✈️ Technology improvements (more efficient aircraft)
• 🛋️ Best service on board
• 💰 Competition in rates
• 📱 Digitalization of services

4. Inspiration for expansion

For a country likeDominican Republicthat seeks to diversify visitor origins, these milestones show that it is necessary:

• 🤝 Boost international connections
• 🌐 Create strategic alliances with airlines
• 🎯 Offer competitive products to global travelers
• 📊 Invest in airport infrastructure

🔧 Technical, operational and human challenges

For the Airline

1.Crew

• 👨‍✈️ Maintain adequate breaks
• 🔄 Pilot and cockpit rotation
• ⏰ Long shifts without compromising safety
• 💤 Mandatory crew rest areas

2.Maintenance

• 🔧 Aircraft prepared for extended operation
• ⚠️ No margin for technical error
• 🛠️ Exhaustive pre-flight checks
• 📊 Real-time monitoring of systems

3.Logistics

• ⛽ Resupply coordination in Auckland
• 🌦️ Management of meteorological unforeseen events
• 📡 Communications with multiple control centers
• 🗺️ Alternative route planning

For the Passenger

1.Comfort

• 🛋️ Cabins adapted for ultra-long flights
• 📺 Extensive entertainment (movies, series, games)
• 🍽️ Multiple quality food services
• 🛏️ Possibilities of real rest

2.Health and well-being

• ⏰Jet lag: Time difference of ~11 hours
• 🧘Immobilization: Risk of deep vein thrombosis
• 💧Hydration: Dry cabin air for 25+ hours
• 🏃Exercise: Need for regular stretching

3.Recommended preparation

Before the flight:

• ✅ Consult a doctor if you have pre-existing conditions
• ✅ Adjust sleep schedule previous days
• ✅ Hydrate well before boarding
• ✅ Comfortable and layered clothing

During the flight:

• ✅ Get up every 2-3 hours
• ✅ Stretching exercises in the seat
• ✅ Drink water constantly
• ✅ Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
• ✅ Wear compression stockings
• ✅ Sleep when possible

After the flight:

• ✅ Expose yourself to natural light
• ✅ Maintain local schedules immediately
• ✅ Light exercise
• ✅ Continuous hydration

💡 Billetaxo tips for travelers on ultra-long routes

1.Consider the cost-benefit

• Is it worth paying €1,500+ to save stopovers?
• Does your body tolerate 25+ hours on a plane?
• Could you prefer a route with a night stopover at a hotel?

2.Invest in comfort if possible

• Business class can make a difference
• Aisle seating for mobility
• Complete travel kit (pillow, eye mask, headphones)

3.Plan for jet lag

• Use apps like Timeshifter
• Adjust schedules 3 days before
• Consider melatonin (doctor consultation)

4.Monitor your health

• If you are over 60 years old, consult a doctor
• If you have circulatory problems, take precautions
• Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies

📊 Comparison with other ultra-long routes

The Shanghai-Buenos Aires route significantly exceeds all others in distance and duration.

🔮 The future of ultra-long aviation

Emerging trends

1. More efficient planes

   • Boeing 777X
   • Airbus A350-1000 ULR
   • New engines with greater autonomy

2. Unimaginable direct routes

   • London - Sydney non-stop (in development)
   • New York - Singapore extended
   • Europe - Oceania direct

3. Improvements in passenger experience

   • Sleep capsules in economy class
   • Gyms on board
   • Socialization areas
   • Improved cabin humidification

4. Sustainable fuels

   • SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
   • Carbon footprint reduction
   • Integrated emissions compensation

🎯 Conclusion

The new route launched byChina Eastern Airlinesbetween Shanghai and Buenos Aires marks a milestone in commercial aviation:more than half the planet traveled, 20,000 km+ and up to 29 hours of flight.

For travelers

It represents both achance(unprecedented connectivity) as achallenge(physical and mental resistance).

For the airline industry

It is a sign ofWhere is global connectivity heading?and the level of innovation required.

For destinations like the Dominican Republic

A reminder that they mustdesign products that not only compete on price, but in experience and global reach.

At Billetaxo we encourage:

• 🧳Travelers: Consider comfort, health, value for money and preparation for long periods
• 🏝️Destinations: Aim for global connectivity and experience standards
• ✈️Airlines: Continue innovating in technology and passenger service

The future of aviation is already here. Are you ready to get on the longest flight in the world? ✈️🌍

📌 Sources

1. Infobae— "This will be the longest flight in the world: more than 20,000 kilometers and 29 hours to cross half the world"
2. Peru Trade— "29 hours in the air! It is the longest flight in the world and it will take off from this South American country"
3. The Digital Confidential— "The world's longest flight takes off from Shanghai this December"
4. teleSURtv— "China will inaugurate the world's longest direct flight between Shanghai and Buenos Aires"

Are you planning a long trip? Discover ourflight guidesand travel tips on the Billetaxo blog.