Emirates and Air Canada said on Wednesday they will extend and expand their strategic partnership, renewing an agreement first signed in 2022 that has already connected more than 550,000 passengers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the US, Dubai and global destinations.
The carriers have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend their reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership until December 31, 2032.
The renewed deal is expected to broaden cooperation, improve services for passengers and cargo shippers, and open the door to new Canadian gateways in the codeshare network.
“Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates has been highly successful, and we are proud to renew it early, expanding its scope and extending its duration through 2032,” said Mark Galardo, EVP and CCO and president, Cargo at Air Canada. He said the agreement supports the airline’s daily, year-round Toronto–Dubai service and improves seamless access to markets across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
“Renewing this partnership is great news, not just for our customers, but also for Canada, as it enhances our ability to connect the country to the world amid evolving trade and travel patterns,” he added.
Adnan Kazim, deputy president and CCO at Emirates, said the partnership has delivered “exceptional results”, strengthening both passenger and cargo capabilities. “Through enhanced cargo cooperation, we remain committed to facilitating commerce and contributing to the continued prosperity of both economies. We believe this partnership will serve as a catalyst for strengthening our footprint in Canada and unlocking new opportunities for growth.”
Emirates-Air Canada alliance: Broader network, stronger cargo flows
The airlines said the enhanced partnership will support tourism and trade between the UAE and Canada, boost passenger choice and expand bi-directional cargo capacity between the Americas, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Both sides are also exploring a potential cargo-focused joint venture to improve the movement of goods globally.
The extended agreement includes improved priority benefits for eligible travellers and closer operational coordination, including a future shift to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (expected after 2032).
The codeshare network has grown to 56 routes, giving Emirates’ customers access to 37 destinations in Canada and the United States. New additions this summer included Toronto–Minneapolis, Montréal–Calgary and Vancouver–Los Angeles. Air Canada also places its code on 19 Emirates routes to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Beyond the codeshare, the interline partnership offers access to more than 225 destinations worldwide.
“Partnerships are one of the most powerful engines of growth in our business, and our collaboration with Emirates is a perfect example,” said Mary-Jane Lorette, VP International Affairs, Network & Partnerships at Air Canada. She said more than half a million customers have connected across their networks since 2022.
The renewed agreement will expand airport access, loyalty redemptions and customer benefits across all cabins.
Loyalty and hub integration
Since the initial 2022 agreement, Air Canada has moved its Dubai operations to Emirates’ Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, giving eligible Air Canada passengers access to Emirates’ Business Class lounges.
Aeroplan members can earn and redeem points on Emirates flights to over 140 destinations, while Emirates Skywards members can redeem on Air Canada’s network of more than 220 destinations. The airlines plan to expand reciprocal redemptions to each other’s Premium Economy cabins.
Air Canada currently flies a daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner service between Toronto and Dubai. Emirates operates daily A380 service to Toronto and seven weekly Boeing 777 flights to Montréal.