Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown will represent New Zealand in the inaugural Southern Link trade route this evening.
Serviced by China Eastern Airlines, the Southern Link flight path, touted as the world’s longest flight path, travels from Shanghai, China, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, via Auckland. Operated as MU745/MU746, the over 20,000-kilometre route will be served by the carrier’s Boeing 777-300(ER).
The Mayor says China and Argentina will benefit from New Zealand’s position, and Auckland’s airport and port are the natural, most efficient hubs for the trans-Pacific trade and investment between the two regions.
"Auckland sits at the crossroads of people and trade in the Asia Pacific, and it will now be the connector for two economic titans: China and the entire continent of South America. Our city is now channelling two massive, wealth-generating trade flows right through the middle of the Asia Pacific.
He says Auckland has a lot to offer people visiting for business or leisure.
“Auckland is at the heart of New Zealand’s economy – a city of innovation, a thriving tech sector, and a gateway for exporters. It’s also a world-class destination, with stunning harbours and a vibrant food and wine scene.
The trade link is a direct result of the Mayor’s, Auckland Airport’s, and others’ advocacy for the removal of transit visas from China which enabled the flight path to go ahead.
“I advocated for this because growth now lies city-to-city, not country-to-country. I see immense potential in forging closer city ties with these countries, and I will be using my global connections to forge new relationships and to look after the ones we have. We must secure our stake in the potential trade uplift to come from this.
He welcomes the acknowledgement that better connection is needed this side of the globe.
“I think we’ve been living at the mercy of the Mercator projection; this most common map cuts this side of the globe in half! Thank you for realising it's a globe, and Auckland is halfway!”
“Before the pandemic in 2019, we had 45,000 South Americans visiting, but today we're still short 42% – around 19,000 visitors. This route will bring more Argentinians to Auckland and New Zealand!”
“Finally connecting Buenos Aires and Shanghai, via Auckland, the Southern Link will also provide resilience in supply chains and provide real connection this side of the globe.”
