The two leading airlines today announced an extension to their partnership, which was launched in 2022. The collaboration, which has to date served 550,000 customers across 56 codeshare routes and provided connectivity to over 225 destinations globally, is now set to run until 2032, with both carriers signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
Additional Customer Benefits and Cargo Cooperation
As well as existing codeshare routes which link Canada, the USA, Dubai and other global destinations, the expanded partnership is set to provide new customer benefits, including enhanced premium travel experiences in more airports worldwide. The move is also set to facilitate stronger cargo cooperation, which will boost two-way trade and offer more seamless cargo shipments between the Americas and the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Speaking of the extended partnership, Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo at Air Canada commented:
“Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates has been highly successful, and we are proud to renew it early, expanding its scope and extending its duration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our international strategy by supporting our daily, year-round service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Renewing this partnership is great news, not just for our customers – many of whom have family, cultural or business ties to these regions – but also for Canada, as it enhances our ability to connect the country to the world amid evolving trade and travel patterns.”
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates echoed these sentiments, saying:
“Our strategic partnership with Air Canada has delivered exceptional results, and we are pleased to extend this collaboration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our passenger and cargo capabilities, enabling us to enhance customer experiences on codeshare flights while expanding network connectivity for travellers across both markets”
Strengthening Tourism and Trade
With bilateral trade between Canada and the UAE growing 14% between 2022 and 2023 and Canadian exports increasing 17% over 2023, the partnership is set to further drive trade between the two countries by boosting air connectivity.
Furthermore, with Air Canada relocating its Dubai operations and joining Emirates in Dubai International’s flagship Terminal 3, the airlines are also able to enhance passengers’ connection experience by providing eligible Air Canada customers access to Emirates’ Business Class Lounges and other hub facilities in Dubai. Additionally, the two airlines offer joint loyalty programme benefits to their frequent flyers.
The extended partnership is also set to ensure a seamless move of operations to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is expected after 2032.
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