China Eastern set to launch major China-South America link through AKL

New Zealand's trade and tourism connectivity has received a major boost with China Eastern Airlines revealing plans to launch a new air service between China and South America via Auckland Airport.

Announced today at a ceremony in Shanghai and witnessed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, China Eastern Airlines intends to connect from its hub at Shanghai Pudong Airport through Auckland Airport to Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport* from December 2025.

The airline, which has flown between China and Auckland for more than a decade, plans to commence operations with an initial two services per week from Shanghai to Auckland, which will fly onward to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is in addition to its current daily Shanghai to Auckland service.  China Eastern Airlines also operate flights from Hangzhou to Auckland and from Hangzhou via Sydney to Auckland.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand’s position at the crossroads of the Pacific opens up 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.

“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.”

China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing said that since the launch of the Auckland route in 2014, China Eastern has continued to increase capacity on the route, maintaining a strong growth trajectory.

Currently, China Eastern is actively supporting the development of Shanghai as an international aviation hub, adhering to the strategy of "flying further, flying internationally, and flying to emerging markets”.  Leveraging its main hub in Shanghai, the airline is accelerating the construction of a globally connected route network.

The new route will connect two continents across the Pacific Ocean, significantly enhancing economic and trade exchanges between China and New Zealand, as well as with South America, serving the growing global travel needs of travellers.

Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui said China Eastern had been a strong airline partner, including maintaining connectivity during the pandemic, growing to the point where today it offers the greatest number of flights between New Zealand and China.

"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.

"It's fantastic news for New Zealand's tourism and trade ambitions.  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.

"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.”

Ms Hurihanganui said Auckland Airport had been investing in the customer experience at the international terminal to ensure it was an easy transit for airlines and travellers.

"Auckland Airport is pleased to provide a seamless experience for travellers that allows them to be in airside dwell spaces or lounges in a matter of minutes with faster connectivity onward to their destination.”

Auckland Airport has recently completed an upgrade of its international transit facilities, including an 80% increase in processing space allowing for the introduction of new Aviation Security screening technology.  Currently around 700,000 travellers transit internationally each year through Auckland Airport.

"Our geographic location provides an ideal stepping stone between Australia, Asia, South Pacific and both North and South America.  We've seen how airports such as Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore have over time become important hubs at the intersection of travel and trade flows. There is an opportunity here for New Zealand to grow beyond being the final stop on a long-haul flight to be a vital aviation hub connecting people and goods."