On January 3, Aerolíneas Argentinas inaugurated a new weekly direct route connecting Rosario, Argentina’s third-largest city, to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This new service, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, is the airline’s longest narrowbody flight in both distance and duration, providing enhanced access to the Caribbean for travelers.
Weekly Direct Service to the Caribbean
The inaugural flight marked the first-ever non-stop connection between Rosario and Punta Cana, operating on a limited Friday-only schedule. The flight times for the new route are as follows (all times local):
Rosario to Punta Cana: Flight AR1348 departs from Rosario at 3:10 PM and arrives in Punta Cana at 10:20 PM, with a block duration of 8 hours and 10 minutes.
Punta Cana to Rosario: Flight AR1349 departs from Punta Cana at 11:35 PM and arrives in Rosario at 8:45 AM the next day, with a block duration of 8 hours and 10 minutes.
Block time, which includes in-flight duration, taxiing, and potential delays, ensures a seamless travel experience for passengers while optimizing aircraft productivity.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft
The first round-trip flight was operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft (registration LV-GVE), delivered to Aerolíneas Argentinas in 2017. This aircraft is configured with 170 seats, including 8 in business class and 162 in economy class. The lower capacity compared to other 737 MAX configurations helps reduce weight, which contributes to the aircraft’s extended range, making it ideal for long-haul routes like Rosario-Punta Cana.
Increased Demand for Punta Cana
Punta Cana has become a popular destination for Argentine travelers. In the 12 months leading up to October 2024, about 340,000 passengers traveled between Argentina and Punta Cana, comprising 73% of all traffic between Argentina and the Dominican Republic. The Rosario-Punta Cana route alone recorded approximately 12,000 passengers during this period, most of whom previously flew via connections through Copa Airlines’ hub in Panama City. This direct service significantly improves convenience for travelers based in Rosario.
Among the Longest 737 Flights
The Rosario-Punta Cana route spans 3,107 nautical miles (5,754 kilometers) one way, making it one of the world’s longest non-stop flights operated by a Boeing 737. While it falls just 250 nautical miles short of the longest 737 flight (TUI fly Nordic’s Helsinki to Boa Vista route), it still ranks among the top non-stop 737 services globally. Aerolíneas Argentinas’ new route is in close competition with Gol’s Brasília-Orlando route, currently the longest non-stop flight for a 737.
Aerolíneas Argentinas’ Longest 737 Routes
This new route strengthens Aerolíneas Argentinas’ position in operating long narrowbody flights. Below are the airline’s top 10 longest Boeing 737 routes:
Rosario to Punta Cana: 3,107 nautical miles (weekly)
Cordoba to Punta Cana: 2,991 nautical miles (3-4 times per week)
Tucuman to Punta Cana: 2,720 nautical miles (weekly)
Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery to Bogotá: 2,510 nautical miles (6 times weekly to daily)
Cordoba to Salvador: 1,805 nautical miles (weekly)
Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini to Salvador: 1,710 nautical miles (January 31 only)
Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery to Salvador: 1,695 nautical miles (1-10 flights weekly)
Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery to Lima: 1,691 nautical miles (mainly daily)
San Carlos de Bariloche to São Paulo Guarulhos: 1,633 nautical miles (daily in July/August)
Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini to Porto Seguro: 1,503 nautical miles (January 19 and 26 only)
Expanding Horizons for Travelers
The new Rosario-Punta Cana service further expands Aerolíneas Argentinas’ international reach, offering direct access to one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations. The route is a testament to the versatility of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 in serving long-haul markets, providing a convenient and efficient option for leisure travelers.
