Rosario and Punta Cana Unveiled as New, Thrilling Connection by Aerolíneas Argentinas’ Longest Narrowbody Route

Written By: Prasan Das

Prasan Das

I am a journalist with a passion for reporting on the ever-evolving travel and tourism industry. As a journalist at Travel And Tour World, I cover a wide range of topics, including emerging travel trends, destination developments, aviation, hospitality, and the global events shaping tourism. Through thorough research and engaging storytelling, I aim to deliver accurate, insightful, and accessible reporting that keeps readers informed while highlighting the destinations, businesses, and innovations transforming the future of travel.

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January 12, 2025 18:40 GMT+5:30

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Aerolíneas Argentinas launches Rosario-Punta Cana route, the airline’s longest narrowbody flight, offering weekly direct service on a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

On January 3, Aerolíneas Argentinas introduced an exciting new route connecting Rosario, Argentina’s third-largest city, to Punta Cana, the renowned tourist hotspot in the Dominican Republic. Operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, this route becomes the airline’s longest narrowbody flight by distance and duration, opening new opportunities for travelers.

Weekly Service to the Caribbean

The inaugural flight marked the first-ever direct connection between Rosario and Punta Cana, operating on a limited Friday-only schedule. The initial journey covered a flight time of 7 hours and 20 minutes, with the return trip extending to 8 hours. Below is the schedule for this new route, with all times local:

• Rosario to Punta Cana: Flight AR1348, scheduled to depart at 3:10 PM and land at 10:20 PM local time (block duration of 8 hours and 10 minutes).
• Punta Cana to Rosario: Flight AR1349, departing at 11:35 PM and arriving at 8:45 AM the next day (block duration of 8 hours and 10 minutes).

Block time encompasses all factors, including taxiing, in-flight duration, and anticipated delays, ensuring a smooth experience while optimizing slot efficiency and aircraft productivity.

The Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8

The first round-trip was operated by LV-GVE, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 delivered in 2017. Like all Aerolíneas Argentinas MAX 8s, it is configured with 170 seats, including eight in business class and 162 in economy. This seat layout, slightly lower in capacity compared to other 737 MAX configurations, enhances the aircraft’s range by reducing weight, making it ideal for such long-haul routes.

Growing Demand for Punta Cana

Punta Cana has emerged as a favorite destination for Argentine travelers. Booking data reveals that in the 12 months leading to October 2024, approximately 340,000 passengers traveled between Argentina and Punta Cana, accounting for 73% of all traffic between Argentina and the Dominican Republic.

Specifically, Rosario-Punta Cana recorded around 12,000 passengers during the same period, with most flying via connections through Copa Airlines’ hub in Panama City. The introduction of this direct service significantly enhances convenience and accessibility for Rosario-based travelers.

Among the World’s Longest 737 Flights

Spanning 3,107 nautical miles (5,754 kilometers) each way, Rosario-Punta Cana ranks among the world’s longest non-stop flights operated by a Boeing 737. For comparison, it falls just 250 nautical miles short of the record-holder: TUI fly Nordic’s route from Helsinki to Boa Vista, Cabo Verde.

Although Milan Malpensa-Zanzibar would surpass both in distance, its operations on the 737 MAX 8 require a refueling stop, excluding it from the list of continuous flights. In terms of regular, long non-stop services, Gol’s Brasília-Orlando route currently holds the title, with Aerolíneas Argentinas’ Rosario-Punta Cana close behind.

Aerolíneas Argentinas’ Top 737 Routes

This latest addition further solidifies Aerolíneas Argentinas’ leadership in operating extended narrowbody routes. Listed below are the 10 longest routes operated by the airline using Boeing 737 aircraft, ranked by great circle distance:

1. Rosario-Punta Cana: 3,107 nautical miles (weekly)
2. Cordoba to Punta Cana: Spanning 2,991 nautical miles, this route operates three to four times per week.
3. Tucuman to Punta Cana: Covering a distance of 2,720 nautical miles, this service runs once a week.
4. Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery-Bogotá: 2,510 nautical miles (six times weekly to daily)
5. Cordoba-Salvador: 1,805 nautical miles (weekly)
6. Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini-Salvador: 1,710 nautical miles (January 31 only)
7. Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery to Salvador: This route covers 1,695 nautical miles, with frequency ranging from once per week to up to 10 flights weekly.
8. Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery-Lima: 1,691 nautical miles (mainly daily)
9. San Carlos de Bariloche-São Paulo Guarulhos: 1,633 nautical miles (daily in July/August)
10. Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini-Porto Seguro: 1,503 nautical miles (January 19 and 26 only)

Expanding Horizons for Travelers

With this new route, Aerolíneas Argentinas continues to expand its reach, offering direct access to coveted international destinations. The Rosario-Punta Cana link not only provides a convenient option for leisure travelers but also highlights the capabilities of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 in meeting long-haul demands efficiently.