On January 3, a new nonstop Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight took off. Aerolíneas Argentinas operates a flight from Rosario, Argentina’s third largest city, to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, a popular tourist destination. This became the carrier’s new longest narrowbody service, both in terms of distance and time.
Take off: Rosario to Punta Cana
Even with a low frequency, it is always satisfying to see a market that has never been served before. The Friday-only service is listed below, with all times local. According to Flightradar24, the first flight to the Caribbean took 7 hours and 20 minutes, with an 8-hour return to Argentina.
- Rosario to Punta Cana: AR1348, 15:10-22:20 (8h 10m block time)
- Punta Cana-Rosario: AR1349, 23:35-08:45+1 (8h 10m)
The block or scheduled time comprises taxi time at both airports, flight time, and a period for minor delays. It indicates slot possession, if applicable. If an airline did not have enough block time, it would always arrive late. However, it must be short enough to appear competitive and contribute to increased aircraft production.
LV-GVE, which was delivered in 2017, provided the first roundtrip service. Aerolíneas Argentinas’ MAX 8s have 170 seats, including eight in business and 162 in economy. This limited capacity serves to make the aircraft lighter, which increases range.
Punta Cana is increasingly popular
Booking data suggests that 340,000 roundtrip travelers flew between Argentina and Punta Cana in the year ending October 2024. Punta Cana contributed for over 73% of all Argentina-Dominican Republic traffic.
Rosario-Punta Cana had 12,000 passengers, almost all of them traveled through Panama City with Copa, which serves Rosario ten times each week.
NOTE: Rosario had less than half the traffic of Mendoza-Punta Cana. Will that route materialize? It would be marginally shorter than from Rosario.
Among the world’s longest 737 services
Rosario-Punta Cana is one of the world’s longest non-stop 737 routes, covering 3,107 nautical miles (5,754 kilometers) each way.
Using Cirium Diio data to investigate all non-stop 737-operated flights in January 2025 reveals that it is only 250 nautical miles (463 km) shorter than the world’s longest service: TUI fly Nordic from Helsinki to Boa Vista, Cape Verde. This service is only available on January 10.
Milan Malpensa-Zanzibar, which is even longer than Helsinki-Boa Vista, would have been included because it is set to be nonstop. On January 7, Neos will fly the 737 MAX 8 long-distance route. However, Flightradar24 shows that earlier aircraft, most recently in December, made a refueling stop in Sharm El Sheikh, therefore it does not count.
What about regular, really long, nonstop services? The Gol route from Brasília to Orlando is the world’s longest and busiest 737 service. Aerolíneas Argentinas’ Rosario-Punta Cana route is only 175 nautical miles (324 km) shorter than this.
Aerolíneas’ 10 longest 737 flights
They are arranged in descending great circle distance order. As always, real-world operations may alter the order. It may be unjust to include two almost-never-flown services from Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini, but they are here for completeness.
NOTE: – If you are wondering why Buenos Aires-Punta Cana is not mentioned, it is simply because the 272-seat A330-200 is deployed.
- 3,107 nautical miles (5,754 km): Rosario-Punta Cana (weekly)
- 2,991 nautical miles (5,539 km): Cordoba-Punta Cana (three to four times weekly)
- 2,720 nautical miles (5,037 km): Tucuman-Punta Cana (weekly)
- 2,510 nautical miles (4,649 km): Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery-Bogotá (six times weekly to daily)
- 1,805 nautical miles (3,343 km): Cordoba-Salvador (weekly)
- 1,710 nautical miles (3,167 km): Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini-Salvador (January 31 only)
- 1,695 nautical miles (3,139 km): Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery-Salvador (varies massively, from weekly to 10 weekly)
- 1,691 nautical miles (3,132 km): Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery-Lima (mainly daily)
- 1,633 nautical miles (3,024 km): San Carlos de Bariloche- São Paulo Guarulhos (daily in July/August)
- 1,503 nautical miles (The Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini-Porto Seguro route (2,784 km) is only served on January 19 and 26. Jorge Newbery-Porto Seguro, which is mostly served weekly, ranks 11th.
What is the world’s new very long Boeing 737 nonstop service?
The new nonstop service involves a Boeing 737 flying a very long route of 8 hours and 10 minutes. This new flight is considered one of the longest routes for a 737 aircraft, expanding the capabilities of this aircraft model for long-haul travel.
Where does the new Boeing 737 nonstop service operate?
The Boeing 737 nonstop service operates between two major cities, offering passengers a convenient and time-saving option for long-distance travel without needing a layover. Specific cities and airlines operating the route may vary, so passengers should check with the airline for details.
How is the Boeing 737 able to handle such a long flight?
The Boeing 737’s ability to handle longer flights has been enhanced with modifications, including fuel-efficient engines, increased fuel capacity, and aerodynamic improvements. These updates allow it to fly longer distances without compromising passenger comfort or safety.
What is the significance of an 8-hour and 10-minute nonstop flight on a Boeing 737?
An 8-hour and 10-minute nonstop flight on a Boeing 737 is a significant milestone, as the aircraft was originally designed for shorter to medium-range flights. This new service demonstrates how advancements in technology and engineering have extended the range of the aircraft.
How does the long flight duration impact passengers on board?
Passengers on this long flight will experience a typical flight duration of over 8 hours, which may involve adjustments to in-flight services, seating configurations, and entertainment to ensure comfort and minimize jet lag during the journey.
Which airlines are offering the 8-hour and 10-minute Boeing 737 nonstop service?
Airlines operating this extended Boeing 737 nonstop service may vary, with a few specific carriers investing in the technology and routes to cater to long-haul travelers. Passengers should check with the airlines for availability, schedules, and pricing information.
Is the 737 suitable for such long flights compared to larger aircraft?
While the Boeing 737 is typically used for shorter flights, it is now capable of long flights thanks to the extended range models like the 737 MAX. Larger aircraft such as the Boeing 777 or 787 are usually preferred for longer flights, but the 737’s improved capabilities are making longer routes increasingly feasible.
