Emirates and Air Canada seal extended deal to boost global connectivity
New customer benefits, including enhanced premium travel experience at more airports
DUBAI – Emirates and Air Canada have announced the expansion and early renewal of their strategic partnership, confirming a multi-year agreement that will extend to 31st December 2032.
Signed just three years after the collaboration first launched in 2022, the renewed commitment builds on the success of the existing arrangement, which has already connected more than 550,000 passengers across a network of 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the US, Dubai and beyond. The prolonged agreement aims to unlock further opportunities in passenger services, loyalty benefits and cargo operations, while exploring potential new Canadian gateways on the codeshare network.
Passengers have increasingly embraced the partnership, which supports seamless journeys between the Americas, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Executives from both carriers highlighted the value of the agreement in catering to travellers with cultural, family and commercial ties to these regions. The cooperation is particularly focused on enhancing premium airport experiences, expanding reciprocal loyalty benefits and exploring avenues for more integrated cargo operations.
Network growth
In just three years, the partnership has grown substantially. Emirates customers can now access 37 destinations connected to Air Canada services across Canada and the U.S., including new routes introduced this summer such as Toronto to Minneapolis, Montréal to Calgary and Vancouver to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Air Canada places its code on 19 Emirates-operated routes across the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Beyond the codeshare network, the airlines’ interline partnership gives travellers access to more than 225 destinations worldwide. Passengers enjoy smoother connections supported by integrated operations and a coordinated approach to premium travel services, including lounge access for eligible travellers.
Premium experience
A key element of the expanded agreement focuses on enhanced premium services. Since November 2022, Air Canada’s Dubai operations have been co-located with Emirates at Dubai International’s flagship Terminal 3. This enables eligible Air Canada customers to access Emirates’ signature Business Class Lounges as well as other premium facilities at one of the world’s leading airports.
Loyalty members also benefit from the strengthened partnership. Aeroplan members can earn and redeem points across Emirates flights to over 140 destinations, while Emirates Skywards members gain similar benefits across Air Canada’s network of more than 220 cities. The carriers are now working to introduce reciprocal loyalty redemptions in Premium Economy cabins, allowing eligible members to earn and redeem across all cabin classes operated by both airlines.
Cargo expansion
The renewed partnership extends beyond passenger travel. Both carriers emphasised the importance of air connectivity in stimulating economic growth, particularly through enhanced cargo cooperation. The agreement aims to boost two-way trade, facilitating shipments between the Americas, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with the potential to develop a joint cargo venture.
Cargo volumes on Emirates flights out of Canada have risen significantly, with tonnage up 37 per cent year-on-year. Dubai, as a global logistics hub, continues to support Canadian businesses through improved trade, investment and tourism links. Between 2022 and 2023, bilateral trade between Canada and the UAE grew 14 percent, with Canadian exports reaching CAD $3.3 billion in 2024 – an increase of 17 per cent from the previous year.
Future connectivity
Looking ahead, both airlines are preparing for further operational integration, including coordinated planning for a seamless transition when Emirates moves operations to Dubai World Central – Maktoum International Airport (DWC), expected after 2032. The carriers aim to maintain and enhance the flow of passengers and cargo, providing improved options for travellers and shippers.
Air Canada currently operates daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner services between Toronto and Dubai, while Emirates offers a daily A380 flight to Toronto and seven weekly Boeing 777 flights to Montréal. The expanded partnership strengthens year-round connectivity between Canada and Dubai, linking markets across North America, the Middle East and Asia.
Executives from both airlines have positioned the renewed arrangement as a key driver of future growth, enabling enhanced travel experiences, increased cargo cooperation and greater network reach. Since 2022, almost 500 passengers per day have seamlessly connected between the airlines’ networks, demonstrating the impact of integrated air services on connecting markets, cultures and economies.