Yesterday, Emirates and United Airlines announced a rather broad agreement and codeshare, as well as direct flights.
Together as one big happy fleet.
The new commercial agreement between Emirates and United will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations* within the United States and around the world.
Emirates and United announced their agreement today at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier.
From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston will be able to easily connect to United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket.
At the eight other U.S. airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.
Customers of both airlines can soon book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier.
A Newark to Dubai daily flight
To support the codeshare agreement, United Airlines is planning to add a direct flight between Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 – from there, customers will be able to travel on Emirates or flydubai to more than 100 cities.
Tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale for those who want to travel the Friendly Skies.
Loyalty Time
For those of you who have been racking up massive miles from credit card signup or spending, it could be time to redeem them, with both Emirates Skywards members can soon earn miles when they travel on United-operated flights, and United Mileage Plus members flying on United’s New York/Newark to Dubai flight will be able to earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai.
In addition, eligible customers travelling on codeshare flights will also soon enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges.
Emirates and United will announce further details on frequent flyer awards and lounge-sharing benefits in the coming weeks as the codeshare is finalised and government approvals are sought.
In Quotes
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “
Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer. We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai. We look forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term.”
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines said:
“This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies. United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties. This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together.”
That’s going to be a large codeshare – enough to make some airlines think about who next to buddy up with
Let us not beat around the bush – this is one hell of a turnaround, where we have gone from the “Middle East Three” being “the great enemy of American Aviation”, to the point where Qatar Airways are “friends” with American Airlines via oneworld and now United Airlines and Emirates codesharing.
Jetblue is being left in the cold, as their codeshare will end with Emirates soon, as they focus on Qatar Airways and oneworld. Air Canada recently signed a codeshare with Emirates too.
That leaves Delta – who currently has partners with Saudia and MEA via SkyTeam and who else they wish to make friends the region.
Certainly, this will have an impact – with Emirates’ reach allowing United customers access to new destinations.
And that’s going to be interesting to watch play out.
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