WELLINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's largest city Auckland has welcomed the first passengers aboard China Eastern Airlines' new Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires service.
The inaugural flight touched down at Auckland Airport just after 6 p.m. local time on Thursday, greeted by officials, airline representatives, and tourism leaders celebrating the milestone connection between Asia and South America via New Zealand, Radio New Zealand reported.
The route would strengthen New Zealand's tourism and business links and reinforce Auckland's position as a key international hub, said Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui.
The Shanghai to Buenos Aires journey takes over 25 hours with a two-hour stop in Auckland, return flights are about four hours longer, operating twice weekly.
Speaking from the tarmac at Auckland Airport, New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the new service improves global connectivity and supports travel, trade, and tourism.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford noted that streamlined transit rules now allow Chinese visitors to pass through New Zealand on an NZeTA without a separate transit visa. ■