Emirates, United Airlines sign codeshare deal to increase destinations in US, UAE

Emirates and United airlines have signed a codeshare agreement to enable carriers to cover more destinations in the US and the United Arab Emirates.

The airlines announced the deal at an event at Dulles International Airport, hosted recently by Scott Kirby, chief executive officer, United Airlines and Tim Clark, Emirates president.

A codeshare is an agreement between airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights. It allows airlines to fly to more destinations.

By implication, customers of both airlines can book these connecting flights on a single ticket — making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier.

In a statement on Thursday, Emirates said the deal would enhance each airline’s network.

“From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston — three of the biggest business hubs in the U.S — will be able to easily connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket,” the Dubai’s flagship carrier said.

“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.

“United will launch a new direct flight between New York/Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 — from there, customers will be able to travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 cities.

Commenting on the agreement, Clark said it was a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefits and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States 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.”

Kirby, on his part, described the agreement unites two iconic, as it aims to create 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,” he said.

“This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together.”