Dubai’s biggest flight carrier, Emirates and Chicago-based United Airlines announced a codeshare agreement “enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations,” within the US and globally, the airline said in a statement.
Codeshare activities and United’s new flight to Dubai are subject to government approvals, Emirates said.
Both airlines, announced their agreement on Wednesday at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates president Tim Clark.
The announcement also featured the United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier.
Passengers flying into Chicago, San Francisco and Houston, will be able to connect onto United flights.
The partnership will “unlock tremendous consumer benefit,” Clark said, bringing UAE and USA even closer.
Clark added: “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.”
The service, which is set to begin operations in November, will allow passengers to travel to and from 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket.
The Dubai-based airline, which also has flight operations at Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC, will have an interline arrangement in place with United.
“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,” United Airline’s chief executive officer Scott Kirby said.
Starting March 2023, the US flight carrier will also launch a new direct flight between Newark and Dubai.
From there, passengers can opt to fly with Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to over 100 cities. Tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale.
“Customers of both airlines can soon book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier. For example – travelers will be able to visit United.com or use the United app to book a flight from New York/Newark to Karachi, Pakistan or go to Emirates.com to book a flight from Dubai to Atlanta or Honolulu,” the statement said.
This agreement will also give the loyalty program members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards.
“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,” Emirates said.
Eligible customers travelling on codeshare flights will also soon enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges.
More details on frequent flyer awards and lounge sharing benefits will be communicated in the coming weeks, the Dubai-based airline said.
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