China Eastern Airlines connects mainland China to Argentina

China Eastern Airlines has announced the launch of a direct route between Shanghai and Argentina, via New Zealand, by the end of the year. This marks a first for a mainland Chinese-based airline, placing it on all six inhabited continents. This expansion is part of the company's strategy to broaden its international presence, already significant with 23 new routes since 2024.

Shanghai Pudong Airport is becoming a hub in their international network, with a significant increase in connecting traffic. In fact, 80.9% of the airline's total connecting traffic was recorded at this airport in 2024, reaching 4.8 million passengers in the first half of 2025.

The North Bund 2025 International Aviation Forum highlighted several other major announcements, including a new international connecting brand, a report on sustainable aviation fuel, and digital innovations by China Eastern Airlines, aimed at strengthening "Aviation+" integration.