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Enduring a 29-hour continuous journey on this direct flight

Non-stop air travel from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, offered by China Eastern Airlines, is set to establish the world's longest direct flight as of December. Brace yourself for extended hours of flying.

Long haul flight duration: A 29-hour nonstop journey on the aircraft awaits passengers
Long haul flight duration: A 29-hour nonstop journey on the aircraft awaits passengers

Enduring a 29-hour continuous journey on this direct flight

In the realm of long-haul air travel, the Boeing 777-300 ER flight between China and South America stands out as an enduring testament to modern aviation. This journey, spanning approximately 25.5 hours for 316 passengers, traverses vast expanses of the globe, touching down in diverse cultures and landscapes.

The return flight on this route, however, takes a slightly longer 29 hours due to the influence of unfavourable winds. The travel time for these flights, while extensive, is still less than the two minutes it takes to read this article.

It's important to note that these flights are not non-stop; a stopover in Auckland, New Zealand is utilised for refueling and technical checks. During this stopover, the crew is replaced, but passengers are not permitted to disembark.

The cost of embarking on this epic journey varies depending on your class of travel. A one-way economy class ticket will set you back around 1400 Swiss francs, while a one-way business class ticket will cost at least 4000 francs.

Looking ahead, China Eastern Airlines is set to take the mantle as the planner and executor of the world's longest direct flight from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, starting December 4, 2025.

In a more local context, the Scottish Orkney Islands also boast their own aviation connections. The distance between the islands of Westray and Papa Westray may be small, at just 2.7 kilometres, but scheduled flights between these islands are available several times a week.

For those seeking a closer look at flight operations, there's even a video available showcasing a complete flight between the Scottish Orkney Islands (external content, requires enabling "Swisscom Third Party Advertising").

In the grand tapestry of air travel, these diverse journeys offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation, connecting us across distances and cultures.

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