Emirates, Philippine Airlines mull expanded partnership at ATM 2025
Meeting in Dubai targets broader reach and seamless passenger experience
DUBAI: Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) met during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai to discuss expanding their existing partnership to enhance passenger and cargo services.
Both carriers are considering a reciprocal code sharing agreement that could significantly improve connectivity between the Philippines, Dubai, and other international destinations. The move aims to provide travellers with better schedule options, a unified baggage policy, and the convenience of single-ticket bookings.
The meeting between the two flag carriers follows their enhanced interline agreement signed in March 2023. That agreement has already been facilitating smoother travel to ten domestic Philippine destinations via Cebu and Clark, and nine international cities via Dubai. With this proposed codeshare expansion, Emirates and PAL seek to elevate their collaboration further, covering not only passenger services but also cargo and ground operations.
Expanded cooperation
In addition to codesharing, Emirates and PAL are exploring ways to enhance cargo interline cooperation – offering shippers better access to each airline’s logistics network. Plans also include sharing best practices in key service areas such as ground handling, catering, and maintenance. Discussions also extended to technical trainings and collaborative media and trade familiarisation trips.
Currently, Emirates operates 28 weekly flights to the Philippines, providing approximately 22,700 seats per week between Dubai and Manila, Cebu, and Clark. These services connect seamlessly to the airline’s global network of over 140 destinations. Emirates first began operations in Manila in 1990 and has steadily expanded its footprint in the country.
PAL, for its part, offers comprehensive domestic and regional connectivity, making it a strong partner for Emirates’ ambitions in Southeast Asia. A formal codeshare agreement would allow both carriers to integrate their networks further, creating new options for travellers heading to or transiting through the Philippines and the UAE.
ATM 2025 highlights
The Emirates-PAL meeting took place on the opening day of ATM 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The four-day event has attracted more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries, with over 2,800 exhibitors showcasing their offerings. Asia, particularly India, saw a notable increase in participation – 30 percent up from the previous year.
Under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” ATM 2025 is highlighting innovations and partnerships shaping the future of tourism. The event introduced new features such as the Start-Up and Innovation Zone and IBTM@ATM—a dedicated space for business events. Emirates made a strong presence on Day 1 by signing eight MoUs with global tourism boards including those of Sharjah, The Philippines, Maldives, and Visit Britain.
Emirates World Store in Manila
Emirates’ recent launch of its first Emirates World Store in Manila further underscores its commitment to Filipino travellers. The new space offers customers premium booking and service options, reinforcing the airline’s broader strategy to deliver high-quality experiences from ground to air.
Meanwhile, PAL continues to position itself as a bridge between the Philippines and the rest of the world. A strengthened partnership with Emirates would support PAL’s strategic objective of expanding international reach while enhancing service for outbound and inbound passengers alike.