China Eastern Airlines will launch a new intercontinental route connecting Shanghai, Auckland, and Buenos Aires on December 4, operating twice weekly. The airline hosted a promotional event to commemorate the impending launch of the flight route.
'The new route will further promote people-to-people exchanges in Northeast Asia, the South Pacific, and South America, expand economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, and enhance Auckland's position as an international aviation hub,' Vice Consul General of China in Auckland Liu Pengxiang announced at the promotional event.
The 25-hour flight route represents the realisation of the 'Southern Link' vision, a concept championed by New Zealand's business and academic sectors since 2019 to strengthen connectivity between Asia and Latin America through New Zealand's geographic positioning.
China Eastern Airlines, in partnership with Auckland Airport and the Latin America New Zealand Business Council, hosted the event featuring cultural performances from Chinese and Latin American artists, emphasising the growing relationship between the regions.
This new air connection carries significant economic and strategic implications for all three nations involved. For Argentina, improved connectivity with Asia could facilitate trade expansion and tourism growth at a crucial time as President Milei seeks to attract foreign investment and diversify economic partnerships beyond traditional Western markets. The route also positions New Zealand as an increasingly important intermediary in Asia-Pacific trade networks, while offering Chinese businesses enhanced access to Latin American markets.
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