September 15, (THEWILL) – United and Emirates have announced a historic commercial agreement that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of destinations within the United States and around the world.
With the new arrangement, United will launch a new direct flight between Newark/New York and Dubai, starting in March 2023.
From there, customers can travel on Emirates or its sister airline, flydubai, to more than 100 different cities.
Already, tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale.
Starting in November, Emirates customers flying into three of the nation’s biggest business hubs – Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston, will have access to nearly 200 US cities in the United network, most of which only require a one-stop connection.
At eight other US airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.
Both airlines announced their agreement recently 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.
United CEO, Scott Kirby, said, “This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines, who share a common commitment to creating 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. This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together.”
Also commenting, Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said, “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 benefits 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”, he added.
According to the airlines, soon customers of both airlines can 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 Newark/New York 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 programme members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards: United MileagePlus® members flying on United’s Newark/New York to Dubai flight can soon earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai and Emirates Skywards members will be able to earn miles when they travel on United-operated flights. Eligible United customers will also soon have access to Emirates lounges when connecting to and from United’s new Dubai flight.
Both airlines have recently announced significant investments in the customer experience.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
