Shanghai: China Eastern Airlines has launched the world's longest direct commercial flight, linking Shanghai with Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, state-run media reported on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Flight MU745 took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 2.19 am local time. The flight covers nearly 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles) and requires a refueling stop in Auckland, New Zealand.

The airline claimed the route sets a new record for the world's longest one-way flight. It is expected to reduce travel time between China and South America by over four hours. China Eastern Airlines will operate two round-trip flights per week on this new route.