First Direct Air Route Between China, Argentina Launched

​China Eastern Airlines' flight MU745 arrives in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, on the afternoon of Dec 4, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

BUENOS AIRES - China Eastern Airlines' flight MU745 touched down in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, on the afternoon of Dec 4, marking the official launch of the first direct air route between China and Argentina, according to the carrier.

The flight departed Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 2:19 am Beijing time on Dec 4, made a two-hour stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, and arrived at Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport after a whole flight of about 25 hours and 30 minutes.

​China Eastern Airlines flight MU745 receives a traditional water salute upon arrival at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport in Argentina's capital on the afternoon of Dec 4, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Spanning over 20,000 kilometers, the new link has broken the record for the world's longest one-way flight.

China Eastern Airlines plans to operate two round-trip flights per week, departing Shanghai on Mondays and Thursdays, and returning from Buenos Aires on Tuesdays and Fridays.

​China Eastern Airlines' flight MU745 arrives in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, on the afternoon of Dec 4, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]