Beijing – Authorities in China have granted approval for a new air route connecting Shanghai to Santiago, Chile. Teh route will incorporate a technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand, facilitating increased travel and trade opportunities between the two nations.
The Civil Aviation Management of China (CAAC) formally included the Shanghai-Auckland-Santiago route in its latest airspace operational updates. This advancement signals a significant expansion of China Eastern Airlines’ reach within the Southern Cone of South America.
Expanding Connectivity in South America
Table of Contents
- 1. Expanding Connectivity in South America
- 2. Ticket Sales Commence for Buenos Aires Route
- 3. The Growing Importance of China-South America Relations
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions about the New Flights
- 5. How will the approval of direct flights between Shanghai and Santiago likely affect tourism numbers in Chile?
- 6. China’s Civil Aviation Administration Approves Direct Flights Between Shanghai and Santiago,Chile
- 7. Expanding Connectivity: A New era for Sino-Chilean Travel
- 8. Details of the Approved Flight Route
- 9. Impact on Tourism and Trade
- 10. Visa Requirements and Travel Considerations
- 11. Historical Context: Sino-Chilean Aviation Relations
- 12. Benefits for Passengers: Time and Cost Savings
- 13. Future Outlook: Expanding Air Connectivity in Latin America
Alongside the Santiago route, the CAAC also approved a parallel service linking Shanghai and Buenos Aires, argentina, also with a stop in Auckland. This Buenos Aires route is notable as the longest direct air route currently in operation globally. Both approvals represent a deliberate strategy by China to strengthen its aviation ties with key South American markets.
China Eastern Airlines is designated to operate both new long-haul routes, having received the necessary authorization from the CAAC to manage these extensive flights. For the Shanghai-Santiago connection,the approved schedule allows for three flights per week.
Ticket Sales Commence for Buenos Aires Route
The Chinese embassy in Argentina announced the commencement of ticket sales for the Shanghai-Buenos Aires route on September 9. This development precedes the official launch of commercial operations on this route, mirroring the expectations for the Shanghai-Santiago service. According to the Chinese Embassy in Argentina’s social media account, the initial flight to buenos Aires is slated for december 4.The total duration, including the Auckland stopover, is anticipated to be approximately 26 hours.
| Route | Airline | Frequency | Stopover City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai – Santiago | China Eastern Airlines | 3 flights/week | Auckland |
| Shanghai – Buenos Aires | China Eastern airlines | TBD | Auckland |
Did You Know? The Shanghai-Buenos Aires route is currently the world’s longest direct flight, covering an remarkable distance of over 11,000 kilometers.
Pro Tip: Travelers planning to utilize these new routes should book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best fares and availability.
What impact will these new routes have on tourism between China and South America? How will this affect existing flight connections in the region?
The Growing Importance of China-South America Relations
China’s increasing engagement with South America is driven by significant economic interests, including access to resources and expanding trade partnerships. Direct air links like these recently approved routes are crucial for fostering these relationships by streamlining business travel and logistics. Over the past decade, China has become one of the largest trading partners for several South American nations, and this trend is expected to continue.
According to data from the CEIC Data, trade between China and South America has grown by over 200% in the last ten years, with key exports including agricultural products, minerals, and energy resources. This increased trade necessitates improved transportation infrastructure,making direct air links essential.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Flights
- what is the primary keyword? The primary keyword is “China Flights.”
- When were the flights approved? The flights were approved on July 2,2025.
- Which airline will operate the new routes? China Eastern Airlines will operate both the Shanghai-Santiago and Shanghai-Buenos Aires routes.
- where will the stopover be for both routes? The stopover for both routes will be in Auckland, New Zealand.
- How frequently enough will flights operate to Santiago? Flights to Santiago are scheduled to operate three times per week.
- What is the approximate duration of the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight? The shanghai-Buenos aires flight is estimated to take approximately 26 hours, including the stopover.
Share yoru thoughts on these new flight routes in the comments below!
How will the approval of direct flights between Shanghai and Santiago likely affect tourism numbers in Chile?
China’s Civil Aviation Administration Approves Direct Flights Between Shanghai and Santiago,Chile
Expanding Connectivity: A New era for Sino-Chilean Travel
On October 28th,2025,the Civil aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced its approval for direct passenger flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago,Chile. This landmark decision marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and boosting tourism and trade between the two nations. The approval follows months of negotiations and reflects the growing demand for seamless travel options for both business and leisure travelers.This new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs compared to current connecting flights.
Details of the Approved Flight Route
Currently, details regarding specific airlines operating the route and flight frequency are still emerging. However, initial reports suggest:
* Potential Airlines: China Eastern Airlines and LATAM Airlines are considered frontrunners for operating the direct flights, leveraging existing partnerships and fleet capabilities.
* Expected Frequency: Initial projections indicate a starting frequency of three to four flights per week, with potential for increased service based on demand.
* Aircraft Type: Wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350, are anticipated to be utilized to accommodate passenger volume and cargo capacity.
* Flight Duration: The estimated flight duration for a non-stop journey between Shanghai and Santiago is approximately 12-14 hours.
Impact on Tourism and Trade
The introduction of direct flights is poised to have a substantial impact on both tourism and trade between China and Chile.
* Tourism Boost: Chile has become an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists, drawn to its diverse landscapes, including the atacama Desert, Patagonia, and the Chilean wine regions.Direct flights will make Chile more accessible, possibly increasing tourist arrivals by 20-30% in the first year. Expect increased demand for Chilean adventure tourism, wine tours, and cultural experiences.
* Trade Facilitation: chile is a major supplier of copper to China,and the new route will streamline the transportation of this crucial commodity.It will also facilitate the export of Chilean agricultural products, such as cherries, wine, and seafood, to the Chinese market. Reduced air cargo transit times will benefit businesses on both sides.
* Business Travel: The direct connection will simplify travel for business professionals, fostering greater collaboration and investment opportunities between Chinese and Chilean companies. Sectors like mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure are expected to see increased activity.
Visa Requirements and Travel Considerations
Travelers planning to utilize the new direct flights should be aware of current visa requirements:
* Chinese Visa for Chileans: Chilean citizens generally require a visa to enter China. The specific type of visa depends on the purpose of travel (tourism, business, etc.).
* Chilean Visa for Chinese Citizens: Chinese citizens typically require a visa to enter Chile. Visa-free entry is available for certain categories of travelers, such as those holding diplomatic or official passports.
* COVID-19 regulations: While restrictions have largely eased, travelers should check the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for both China and Chile before their departure.
* Currency Exchange: Both Chinese Yuan (CNY) and Chilean Peso (CLP) are used.It’s advisable to exchange currency before travel or utilize international credit cards.
Historical Context: Sino-Chilean Aviation Relations
While this is the first direct passenger flight approval, aviation ties between China and Chile have been developing for years. Increased cargo flights have supported the growing trade relationship.
* 2015: Increased cargo capacity between the two countries to meet rising copper demand.
* 2018: Discussions began regarding the feasibility of direct passenger routes, spurred by growing tourism numbers.
* 2023: Preliminary agreements were reached to streamline aviation regulations and facilitate the approval process.
* 2025 (October): The CAAC officially approves direct passenger flights, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship.
Benefits for Passengers: Time and Cost Savings
The most immediate benefit for passengers is a significant reduction in travel time. Currently, travelers must connect through cities like Panama City, Dallas, or Madrid, adding several hours to their journey.
* Reduced Travel Time: A non-stop flight will save passengers approximately 4-8 hours compared to connecting flights.
* Lower Costs: While initial ticket prices may be comparable, increased competition and airline efficiency are expected to drive down fares over time.
* Convenience: Direct flights eliminate the hassle of layovers, baggage transfers, and potential delays.
* Increased Comfort: longer flights on wide-body aircraft typically offer enhanced comfort and amenities.
Future Outlook: Expanding Air Connectivity in Latin America
This approval sets a precedent for further expansion of air connectivity between China and Latin America.Several other Latin American countries are actively seeking direct flight approvals from the CAAC, recognizing the economic and tourism benefits. Expect to see similar announcements in the coming years, further strengthening ties between China and the region. The success of the Shanghai-Santiago route will likely influence future decisions regarding other potential routes.