Emirates and United Airlines have announced a historic commercial agreement that will expand their airline networks and provide customers with easier access to hundreds of new destinations* in the United States and around the world.
Starting in November, Emirates customers flying to Chicago, San Francisco and Houston, three of the largest business hubs in the US, will be able to easily transfer to United flights from nearly 200 cities in the Americas with a single ticket.
At eight other US airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – the two airlines will have a connection agreement.
From March 2023, United will launch a new direct service between New York/Newark and Dubai where customers can travel to over 100 cities with Emirates or its sister carrier flydubai. Tickets for United's new flight to Dubai are on sale.
Emirates and United announced the deal at a celebratory event at Dulles International Airport with United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark. The event was supported organizationally by the teams of both airlines and also included the demonstration of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from both airlines.
“Two of the world's largest and best-known airlines are joining forces to better fly customers to more destinations at a time when travel demand is rising again. This is an important partnership that will greatly benefit customers and bring the UAE and the US even closer together. We welcome United's return to Dubai next year, when our headquarters in Dubai will be essentially United's gateway to Asia, Africa and the Middle East through the United Emirates and flydubai network. “We look forward to furthering our long-term partnership with United,” said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.
“This deal brings together two iconic airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best in-flight customer experience,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of United. “ United's new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make it easier for millions of our customers to travel the world, helping to support local economies and strengthen cultural ties. It is also an important moment for both United and Emirates employees and I look forward to our journey together.”
Customers of both airlines will soon be able to book connecting flights on a single ticket, making check-in and baggage handling quick and easy. For example, it would be possible to book a flight from New York/Newark to Karachi, Pakistan on United.com or the United app, or confirm a flight from Dubai to Atlanta or Honolulu on Emirates.com.
Through this agreement, members of both airlines' frequent flyer programs will have more opportunities to earn additional rewards: Emirates Skywards members will be able to earn miles while traveling on United-operated flights, and United Mileage Plus members will fly from United New York/Newark to Dubai. They will be able to earn and redeem miles on Emirates and flydubai transfers.
Eligible customers traveling on codeshare flights will soon also have access to Emirates and United lounges. More details on loyalty rewards and lounge sharing benefits will be available in the coming weeks.
Both airlines recently announced significant investments in customer service. Emirates is investing $120 billion to modernize its 2 aircraft, expand dining options including an all-new vegan menu, add a new “cinema in the clouds” experience and modernize cabin interiors. United Airlines will expand its fleet with 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft that will carry a new interior, including screens behind each seat, larger overhead storage boxes, aircraft-wide Bluetooth connectivity and the fastest Wi-Fi available.
Be the first to comment