Air China to Launch Record-Breaking One-Stop Flight to São Paulo

By Ivan PetrenkoMar 20, 2024 02:30 AMNews
Share:
An airplane flying in the sky
An airplane flying in the sky. Source: unsplash

In a major development for international travel, Air China is set to resume its service from Beijing to São Paulo with a stopover in Madrid this April, marking the world's longest one-stop flight. This significant announcement comes as the airline plans to reconnect with South America, particularly targeting the Brazilian Chinese community in São Paulo, the country's most populous city.

The service, operating twice weekly, stands out not just for resuming connections but for setting a new record in the aviation industry. It will cover an impressive distance, making it a pioneering route for the Boeing 787 aircraft used for such long-haul journeys.

Pioneering Routes: A New Record

Research from Cirium for May-August 2024 has revealed that Air China's Beijing Capital to São Paulo route will become the longest one-stop, same-plane service on a Boeing 787. This distinction highlights the exceptional length of the journey, distinguishing it from other long-haul routes operated by different airlines and aircraft types.

Notably, the service is a rarity in offering a daytime flight from South America to Europe, providing an unusual but highly sought-after travel option for passengers. The flight times are as follows:

  • Beijing to Madrid: 15:00-21:10
  • Madrid to São Paulo: 23:15-05:55+1
  • São Paulo to Madrid: 10:05-00:40+1
  • Madrid to Beijing: 02:40-19:30

Bridging Continents: The Significance

Air China's resumption of the Beijing-São Paulo route via Madrid underscores the growing demand for direct and efficient travel options between Asia and South America. In 2019, around 198,000 passengers traveled between São Paulo and China, showcasing the high demand for such routes. Travelers previously relied on connections through Dubai, Doha, Madrid, Addis Ababa, and Paris, demonstrating the strategic importance of Air China's direct service.

This initiative by Air China not only caters to the Brazilian Chinese community but also strengthens the airline's position in connecting distant continents. By offering the longest one-stop flight, Air China sets a new benchmark in international travel, providing a more direct and time-efficient option for passengers navigating between these regions.

Bridging Cultures, Connecting Continents

Air China's groundbreaking service is a testament to the evolving dynamics of global travel, emphasizing the importance of connecting diverse communities and fostering international relations. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, such innovations in travel routes play a crucial role in bridging geographical and cultural distances.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Colourful townhouses in Poznań Old Town under blue sky

Ryanair adds three new routes in Poznań for Summer 2026

Feb 14, 2026 17:19 PM
Emirates aircraft operating Valentine’s Day themed flights

Emirates Adds Valentine’s Touches to Flights and Lounges

Feb 14, 2026 05:06 AM

Air Serbia Valentine’s Offer Brings Half-Price Companion Fares

Feb 14, 2026 04:53 AM

UK Airports Hit as Lufthansa Strike Cancels Hundreds of Flights

Feb 13, 2026 17:07 PM
Wizz Air aircraft parked at the airport

Wizz Air Adds Easier Connections, But Transfers Stay Manual

Feb 13, 2026 16:54 PM
Lufthansa passenger aircraft flying above mountainous terrain

Germany Grounds Flights as Lufthansa Strike Hits Major Hubs

Feb 13, 2026 16:41 PM
People taking part in a quiet prayer gathering indoors

Quiet Space Lands at Leeds Bradford Airport

Feb 12, 2026 16:04 PM
SunExpress aircraft operating overnight service between Manchester and Dalaman

Midnight Departures Put Dalaman Closer to Manchester

Feb 12, 2026 15:55 PM
Interior of London Liverpool Street Station with platforms and trains

Liverpool Street Expansion Finally Approved After Years of Debate

Feb 12, 2026 15:42 PM

Glasgow–Hanover Flights Return for Summer 2026

Feb 12, 2026 15:39 PM

London–Kuala Lumpur Returns to Gatwick After 14 Years

Feb 12, 2026 02:56 AM
Coastal town overlooking the sea

Salzburg’s Summer Flights Get a 2026 Refresh

Feb 12, 2026 02:43 AM
Passengers socialising inside a vintage railway carriage in the 1930s

1930s Glamour Rolls Back on the Rails This Summer

Feb 12, 2026 02:37 AM
Historic street scene in central Bucharest

Stockholm Gains a Fresh Eastern Europe Link

Feb 12, 2026 02:24 AM
Crowd holding Italian flags during a demonstration

Italy Braces for Nationwide Aviation Strike on 16 February

Feb 11, 2026 20:41 PM

Cuba Flights Halted as Fuel Shortage Disrupts Winter Plans

Feb 11, 2026 20:38 PM

Iberia Tightens Luggage Checks With New Fines at Airports

Feb 11, 2026 19:05 PM
Evening view of Frankfurt city centre

Frankfurt Gets a New Short-Haul Player

Feb 11, 2026 18:42 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the apron

Ryanair Flags OTA Price Gaps in February Survey

Feb 11, 2026 18:39 PM
Wizz Air aircraft on the apron during ground operations

Wizz Air Rolls Out Extra Space Without Changing Its Cabin

Feb 11, 2026 14:06 PM
Passenger aircraft approaching a snowy mountain airport

Winter Trips Can Fail Before Take-off

Feb 11, 2026 10:43 AM
Air France widebody aircraft approaching landing

Paris–New York Gets Busier in Summer 2026

Feb 11, 2026 10:37 AM

WestJet Adds New Domestic Links as Summer 2026 Network Grows

Feb 11, 2026 10:24 AM

Spain’s Rail Strike Ends Early as Services Resume Nationwide

Feb 11, 2026 10:11 AM
Crowd dancing at an outdoor daytime music event

Zurich Airport Becomes a Dancefloor

Feb 10, 2026 08:08 AM
Widebody aircraft positioned on the apron at Lisbon Airport terminal

Lisbon’s New Airport Project Moves Forward After Decades

Feb 10, 2026 07:55 AM