Emirates and United Expand Market Presence Through New Agreement
Emirates and United signed a historic commercial agreement today
that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access
to hundreds of new destinations* within the United States and around the world.
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.
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. Tickets for
United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale.
Emirates and United announced their agreement today at a ceremonial
event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing
777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier.
“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. We look
forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term,” said Sir
Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.
“This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a
common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies,” said
United CEO Scott Kirby. “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. This is a proud moment for
both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together,”
said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines.
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.
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.
Eligible customers traveling 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.
Both airlines have recently announced significant investments in
customer experience. Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a
$2 billion effort that includes elevated meal choices, a brand-new vegan menu,
a ‘cinema in the sky’ experience, cabin interior upgrades, and sustainable
choices. At United, the airline will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to
its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior that includes seat-back
screens in every seat, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity throughout,
and the industry’s fastest available in-flight Wi-Fi.
*Codeshares and United’s new flight to Dubai are subject to
regulatory approvals.
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