Passengers and tourism sector in Buenos Aires have hailed the launch of the first direct air route between China and Argentina, believing the twice-weekly service will boost tourism and ties between the two countries.
China Eastern Airlines' flight MU745 touched down in Buenos Aires on Thursday afternoon, marking the official launch of the first direct air route between China and Argentina.
The flight departed Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 02:19 Beijing time on Thursday, made a two-hour stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, and arrived at Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport after a whole flight of about 25 hours and 30 minutes.
Passengers on the flight were greeted with applause and emotional reunions upon arrival.
"Actually, it's my dream to come to South America, including Argentina. It's kind of a challenge for our age. We're over 50! [If] 30, it's fine. The flight is convenient and comfortable," said Jack, a Chinese tourist.
This is the first direct flight linking South America and China. Before this route opened, the options available to those traveling between South America and China was to fly via Europe, via North America, or via the Middle East, with time in the air well over 30 hours.
"[When I traveled to China,] I went via Frankfurt. I had a 10-hour layover, so it was very long. This flight was 26 hours in total," said Emilio del Campo, another passenger.
Spanning over 20,000 kilometers, the new link has broken the record for the world's longest one-way flight.
"Everyone was waiting for this flight. We all were. Everyone was wondering when tickets would go on sale. From hotels waiting for Chinese tourists to come, to everything related to the tourism sector. And there are also Argentinians who want to experience this new route," said Cristina Hung, a business manager with Hungs Tourism.
For 25 years, this agency in the Chinese neighborhood in Buenos Aires has sold travel packages for those traveling between the two countries.
"[The flight] will comprehensively promote such areas as tourism, trade, and culture. It will make a wide range of activities easier, from economic missions and trade fairs to investment, academic collaboration, and more," said Ana Wang, manager of the travel agency.
First direct air route between China, Argentina hailed by passengers, tourism sector
