Dubai’s Emirates, United ink agreement to expand market presence, enhance networks

Dubai carrier Emirates and Chicago-headquartered airline United have announced a codeshare and interline agreement to enhance each airline’s network.

From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston will be able to connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket, a statement said. At other US airports served by Emirates, namely Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.

Our new partnership with @United will unlock tremendous benefits for customers, while bringing the UAE and the US even closer. https://t.co/UBMwSJrB3u pic.twitter.com/Amtxz5GEvM

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 15, 2022

Meanwhile, United will launch a new direct flight between Newark and Dubai, starting March 2023. From Dubai, passengers will be able to travel on Emirates or flydubai to more than 100 cities.

The airlines said that tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale. However, codeshare activities and United’s new flight to the emirate are subject to government approvals.

Come fly with us! ?? ✈️ ??

A new United flight between New York/Newark and Dubai takes off in March.

From there, travelers can connect on @emirates to 100+ destinations around the world. Start planning your trip ➡️ https://t.co/XG8d9ZAmqZ pic.twitter.com/KUaa7qH2f6

— United Airlines (@united) September 14, 2022

Customers of both airlines will soon be able to book connecting flights on a single ticket, easing check-in and luggage transfer. The agreement will also grant loyalty programme members of both airlines additional reward opportunities.

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, the statement added. Eligible customers travelling on codeshare flights will also be able to enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges.

Sir Tim Clark, president, 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.”

“This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies,” added Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines. “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.”

Both airlines have recently announced significant investments to enhance their fleet and bolster customer service. Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2bn overhaul.

Read: UAE’s Emirates to commence largest known fleet retrofit project in November

The Dubai-based carrier also announced recently that is investing over $350m to equip its 50-strong fleet of A350s with next-generation inflight entertainment solutions.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates plows over $350m in inflight entertainment systems for A350 fleet

Meanwhile, United will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior, the carrier added.