LONDON – From 1 November, Emirates and Air Canada have launched a new codeshare operation, allowing extended networks and greater connectivity for the two airlines.
The Emirates – Air Canada agreement
In a recent statement from Dubai based Emirates (EK), it was announced that Gulf airline Emirates (EK) and Canadian flag carrier, Air Canada (AC), have begun the activation of a new codeshare agreement, with the goals being to extend the global networks and enhance customer experience.
Starting today, the codeshare tickets wil be available for sale to 35 markets with travel effective from December 1st, with a further 11 planned markets pending addition, subject to regulatory approvals. In addition to this, the potential of adding more markets to that, is not locked out.
The main points by the codeshare agreement, per Emirates’ press release regarding the announcement, are:-
- Customers of both airlines will have access to 46 points across North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa
- Frequent flyer members of Skywards and Aeroplan are set to be able to earn and redeem points or miles when flying both airlines
- Enhanced customer offerings implemented with the issuance of a single ticket of baggage transfers through to the final destination
- New plan for improved connectivity and seamless experience between the carriers at their respective hub airports in Dubai and Toronto, set to be implemented within few months
Airline statements
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, stated: “We are delighted to establish a partnership with Air Canada, to expand our reach into more points in North America. Partnering with Canada’s flag carrier enables us to offer customers seamless connectivity when flying to domestic points within Canada via Toronto.”
“Besides the added-value benefits and rewarding experiences that leisure and business travellers of both airlines can look forward to, the partnership allows Air Canada’s customers to travel to destinations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, thanks to our expansive network via our hub in Dubai.”
Also in response to the new agreement, President and CEO of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, stated: “This exciting new partnership with Emirates will allow Air Canada to meaningfully broaden the choice of flight options for our customers.”
“It will create easier connections between Canada and destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. As well, it will allow us to draw more connecting traffic through our Toronto global hub and expand our presence in these dynamic regions where demand for global travel is expected to grow.”
The possibilities
As a result of this new codeshare agreement, Emirates’ customers will have the ability to book codeshare flight both to an from Canadian destinations, beyond Toronto, together with other destinastions as Halifax, Edmonton and Ottawa.
Also a result of the new codeshare agreement, seamless connecitivity can be enjoyed by Air Canada customers travelling to Southeast Asian destinations, such as Bangkok, Singapore, as well as Middle Eastern cities like Jeddah and Muscat.
It is worth noting is that codeshare activities are subject to government approvals as of now.
Overall
Emirates has been an airline hard at work regarding codeshare agreements this year, with the biggest being their agreement with American carrier, United (UA), which made headlines across the aviation world, as well as creating major gateways to multiple destinations for passengers connecting on any United or Emirates flight.
However, the agreement with Air Canada will also enable great gateways and possibilities for both airlines’ customers, creating great connecitivity and membership benefits for both airlines’ customers.
