The Boeing 777 needs a refueling stop to perform the world’s new longest flight – Jalopnik

Just two months after Xiamen Air achieved the longest flight of any airline in the world, China Eastern has completed its first flight from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, Argentina, a distance of 20,000 kilometers that takes about 25 hours, the Chinese airline said. Global times. While any statement from government-controlled media should be taken with a truckload of salt, independent flight trackers love it Flightradar24.com have confirmed the performance. The former record-breaking flight from New York to China pales in comparison at a distance of 13,400 kilometers (with a bypass around Russian airspace) and just over 19 hours in the air. However, it remains the longest nonstop flight, as the flight from China to Argentina makes a two-hour stop in Auckland, New Zealand, for refueling, passenger changes and flight crew changes.

This stopover means that China Eastern does not have to use an Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 for the long distance, but a Boeing 777-39P, according to Newsweekthe version of the 777-300ER. The maximum range of 13,481 miles isn’t enough to make the flight nonstop, but it is sufficient for the 9,807-mile leg from Shanghai to Auckland, as well as the 6,421 miles from Auckland to Buenos Aires, including safety margins. Because both legs are assigned the same flight number, they are considered part of the same flight, making this the longest airline flight in the world despite the pit stop in New Zealand.

According to Easy flyingArgentina is a popular destination for Chinese travelers, both visiting and relocating. Currently, about 50,000 Chinese-born people live in Argentina, and more than 350,000 people of Chinese descent live there. Despite the great distance between the two countries, it makes sense to have a way for the Chinese community in Argentina to travel back and forth.

Not that it would be the most pleasant experience. Flights in each direction depart at 2 a.m. local time, giving new meaning to the term “red-eye catching.” You’re still stuck in a metal tube for 25 hours, assuming there are no flight delays, which is never certain. This version of the Boeing 777 is China Eastern’s highest capacity aircraft, which certainly means less comfort for passengers in the cheap seats who cannot recline for 25 hours or more. Still, given the level of discomfort some are willing to endure, it will likely be worth it for those interested in making the trip.