China Eastern Airlines (MU)

Flight MU745, which began operating on 1 May 2026, has officially broken all distance records for a commercial flight. The route connects Shanghai with Buenos Aires, with a technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand, for refuelling and safety checks. Although the flight makes a stop, it is still classified as a "direct flight" in commercial terms, since passengers remain on board and stay on the same aircraft. The first leg between Shanghai and Auckland covers more than 9,300 km in approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes, followed by a second leg of nearly 10,300 km for a flight of around 11 hours and 20 minutes. The Boeing 777-300ER used for this route offers passengers a comfortable journey, with a 316-seat configuration including First, Business and Economy classes. Although long, the route offers a considerable advantage for travellers. By combining Shanghai, Auckland and Buenos Aires, China Eastern manages to reduce total flight time by 4 to 5 hours compared with previous routes that required at least one stopover in Europe or North America. In addition, passengers no longer have to change airlines or aircraft, which greatly simplifies the journey and reduces the risk of missed connections. This new route, which offers direct access to Argentina, will fill a gap in air connections between Shanghai and South America. It also makes travel between three continents possible on a single flight, offering a new option for both business travellers and tourists.