Emirates, United Sign New Agreement to Expand Market Presence

Emirates and United Airlines have signed an agreement that will enhance each airline’s network and offer their customers easier access to more destinations within the United States and worldwide. Emirates and United announced their agreement at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by Scott Kirby, United Airlines’ CEO, and Tim Clark, Emirates’ president.

From November, Emirates customers flying to Chicago, San Francisco and Houston 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, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington D.C.–both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.

United will launch a new direct flight between 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.

Customers of both airlines can soon book these connecting flights on a single ticket, making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier. For instance, 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 recently announced significant investments in the customer experience. Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2 billion effort that includes elevated meal choices, a new vegan menu, a “cinema in the sky” experience, cabin interior upgrades and sustainable choices. United Airlines 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 in-flight Wi-Fi.

For more details, visit www.emirates.com.

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