Emirates and Air Canada Extend Strategic Partnership with Multi-Year Agreement

Emirates and Air Canada Extend Strategic Partnership Through 2032

Emirates and Air Canada have announced plans to expand and extend their strategic partnership, building on a three-year collaboration established in 2022. More than 550,000 customers have travelled across the joint network so far, connecting through 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the U.S., Dubai, and other global destinations. The airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the reciprocal codeshare and loyalty agreement until 31 December 2032. The renewed partnership aims to broaden cooperation, enhance services for passengers and cargo shippers, and create potential for additional Canadian gateways within the codeshare network.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo at Air Canada, said the agreement supports the airline’s international strategy and strengthens connectivity between Canada, Dubai, and key regions, including the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, noted that the renewed collaboration reinforces both airlines’ passenger and cargo capabilities, improving customer options while supporting trade activity between the UAE and Canada.

Partnership Scope and Network Connectivity

The enhanced partnership is expected to contribute to tourism and trade between Canada and the UAE. Both airlines are examining opportunities for a potential cargo-focused joint venture to support the efficient global movement of goods. The extended agreement will also offer improved priority benefits for eligible passengers and increased operational coordination, including a future transition of operations to Dubai World Central – Maktoum International Airport (DWC) after 2032.

The codeshare network now includes 56 routes, offering Emirates customers access to 37 destinations in Canada and the U.S. Air Canada places its code on 19 Emirates-operated routes to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Together, their interline partnership provides access to more than 225 destinations worldwide.

Customer and Loyalty Benefits

Since Air Canada relocated its Dubai operations to Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, both airlines have improved connection experiences for passengers. Eligible Air Canada customers can access Emirates’ Business Class lounges and other Terminal 3 facilities. Members of Aeroplan and Emirates Skywards can earn and redeem points or miles across both networks, with plans underway to expand redemptions to each other’s Premium Economy cabins.

Air Canada operates daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner service between Toronto and Dubai, while Emirates operates daily A380 service to Toronto and seven weekly Boeing 777 flights to Montréal.

Canada–UAE Trade Impact

Air connectivity continues to support growing Canada–UAE trade. Bilateral trade increased 14% between 2022 and 2023, with Canadian exports reaching CAD 3.3 billion in 2024, a 17% rise over the previous year. Cargo volumes on Emirates flights from Canada have also increased by 37% year-over-year, highlighting the role of enhanced air links in supporting trade, investment, and tourism.