News
China Eastern Airlines to open Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires
June 20th 2025
China Eastern Airlines (CEA) and Auckland Airport have announced the “Southern Link” with the planned commencement of twice a week Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires. Read More » The new service, pending regulatory approval, will be operated by CEA 777s and will be the only direct link between China and Argentina. CEA said the Southern Link offers shorter travel times, more efficient connections and less significant time zones compared with travelling via North America or Europe to Argentina. The fifth freedom rights CEA rotation will accommodate passenger traffic and cargo between Auckland and Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport. Attending the launch ceremony in Auckland earlier this week, New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, said: “Our government’s announcement to make it easier for Chinese travellers to transit via New Zealand makes a route from China via New Zealand a more attractive option for both tourists and airlines. This new connection to Auckland between the dynamic economies of Asia and South America is a great step forward and will support a more resilient and diverse aviation network that benefits travellers, trade and tourism.” The one stop flights are in addition to CEA’s daily Shanghai-Auckland service and Hangzhou to Auckland and Hangzhou via Sydney to Auckland.
