Two of the largest international airline networks are uniting. United Airlines has shared details about its new codeshare partnership with Emirates at an event hosted by Scott Kirby, the CEO of United, and Time Clark, the president of Emirates.
The partnership extends United’s reach into the Middle East and extends the Emirates network into the U.S., offering passengers access to a greater number of destinations. In a press release, Scott Kirby is quoted, “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.”
The codeshare implementation will begin in November when Emirates passengers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, or Houston will be able to connect to nearly 200 more cities within the United network. Later in March 2023, United will launch a nonstop route from Newark Liberty International Airport to Dubai. From Dubai passengers can fly to any of the 100 destinations serviced by Emirates or flydubai. Tickets for these flights are already available, despite that flights aren’t departing until next year.
An interline agreement between the tw airlines means passengers can passengers can book all connecting flights as a single ticket through either United or Emirates.
Members of United MileagePlus and Emirates Skywards will have the opportunity to gain more miles. United members can enjoy the pleasure of redeeming their miles for a seat in an Emirates first-class cabin. United passengers will also gain Emirates lounge access when connecting to and from Dubai.
The final piece of the partnership will be multi-billion dollar improvements to the fleets of each airline. Emirates is spending $2 billion to upgrade the in-flight experience, which includes adding premium economy seating to 120 aircraft. United will be adding 500 planes, with high-speed WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity, and larger overhead bins.
It appears American and Middle Eastern carriers are patching things up after dispute sin recent years. With this new codeshare, every American carrier has a Middle Eastern partner, with the exception of Delta.
