China Eastern Airlines will launch a flight linking China's economic hub, Shanghai, and Argentina's capital city, Buenos Aires, in December.

It will be the first route linking Shanghai and South America, and the only air connection between China and Argentina, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

The new flight will be operated via Auckland, New Zealand and is the result of an agreement signed between China Eastern Air Holding Co Ltd and Auckland Airport on Tuesday, according to China Eastern.

The new flight connecting the three dynamic economies will help to create a more resilient and diversified aviation network, and benefit passengers, trade, and tourism in the three areas, said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who spoke during the agreement signing ceremony in Shanghai.

Luxon said he regarded the new route as an exciting opportunity, and that he expects it to directly drive New Zealand's economic growth.

Wang Zhiqing, chairman of China Eastern Air Holding Co Ltd, said: "The new route will definitely become an important nexus between China and New Zealand, as well as the Asia-Pacific region and South America as a whole."

According to Wang, since the launch of flights to Auckland in 2014, China Eastern has seen good development momentum.

Carrie Hurihanganui, chief executive officer of Auckland Airport, said the new route is the result of years of effort made by the two sides. Through continuous expansion of capacity, China Eastern has become the airliner that operates the most flights between China and New Zealand, said Hurihanganui.

The Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight will be operated twice a week.

In comparison with flights that fly via Europe or North America, the new route will take less flying time and offer a more convenient travel experience, according to China Eastern.

wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn