The historic alliance between United Airlines and Emirates is a significant step toward improving relations between the major US carriers and the major Gulf carriers.
The goal of the new agreement is to improve the connection between the US and the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
With the addition of a new direct flight by United between New York/Newark and Dubai beginning in March 2023, passengers of United will have more alternatives for traveling through the Emirates and flydubai network to destinations in the Middle East.
Customers of Emirates traveling to Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston starting in November 2022 will have access to roughly 200 US cities through the United network.
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“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.”
In addition, certain United passengers who connect to or from the new flight will have access to Emirates lounges in Dubai.
While the partnership is a notable improvement in relations for the carriers, it falls short of a full-fledged codeshare, and Emirates is not joining Star Alliance.
