China Eastern Airlines has revealed plans to launch a new air service between China and South America via Auckland Airport by the end of the year.
The airline, which has flown between China and Auckland for more than a decade, intends to connect from its hub at Shanghai Pudong Airport through Auckland Airport to Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport from December 2025.
It would provide an initial two services per week from Shanghai to Auckland, which will fly onward to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This would be in addition to the current daily Shanghai to Auckland service.
China Eastern Airlines also operate flights from Hangzhou to Auckland and from Hangzhou via Sydney to Auckland.
Witnessing the announcement in Shangei, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand’s position at the crossroads of the Pacific opened exciting opportunities to grow global aviation links.
“Our government’s announcement to make it easier for Chinese travellers to transit via New Zealand makes a route from China via New Zealand a more attractive option for both tourists and airlines.
“This new connection to Auckland between the dynamic economies of Asia and South America, is a great step forward and will support a more resilient and diverse aviation network that benefits travellers, trade, and tourism,” he said.
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“As a country we are working hard to grow tourism back to 2019 levels and beyond, because doing so will drive economic growth right across the country. This new route is estimated to bring an additional $48 million in annual visitor spend to New Zealand.”
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said it was “fantastic news for New Zealand’s tourism and trade ambitions”.
“This network connectivity – the Southern Link – is something we’ve been working towards for a number of years so it’s wonderful to see it become a reality through the work of China Eastern Airlines with support from Auckland Airport and the New Zealand Government.
“While we have rebuilt our aviation connections with China, visitation is still recovering. Additional flights from Shanghai Pudong, a major globally connected hub, supports more travellers not just direct from China but also those connecting via Shanghai from across Asia and Europe into Auckland.
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“The bonus with this new connectivity is it also helps address a big gap in our direct capacity between New Zealand and South America, which is down 53% compared to the pre-pandemic period. That reduction in capacity has contributed to $76.7 million less visitor spend, 32% fewer Kiwi businesses connecting face-to-face in South America and a 16% decline in cargo volumes.
“This new service will reintroduce a direct flight connection between New Zealand and Argentina, enhancing not only tourism, trade and international education, but providing another link home for the 40,000 South Americans who live in New Zealand.”
