The longest direct flight in the world. How long will it last and which countries will it connect
Airplane in flight, Photo: Bayne Stanley / Zuma Press / Profimedia Images
The Chinese airline China Eastern plans to offer the longest direct flight in the world, starting next week, reports the German agency DPA, cited by Agerpres.
The airline announced on Wednesday that, starting December 4, it will introduce flights from Shanghai, China's economic hub, to Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, twice a week.
The new route was approved by the Argentine government on Wednesday.
The cities of Shanghai and Buenos Aires are located on almost opposite sides of the globe.
China Eastern estimates that the 20,000 kilometer route will require 25.5 hours for the outbound flight and 29 hours for the return flight.
However, this will not be a non-stop flight. The Boeing 777-300ER will make a technical stopover in the city of Auckland in New Zealand for refueling the aircraft and changing the crew, according to the specialized magazine Aero. Passengers will be allowed to leave the plane briefly during the two-hour layover, according to Aero.
This direct flight represents competition for Lufthansa, notes DPA. The German airline already offers a connecting flight between Shanghai and Buenos Aires through its Frankfurt hub.
