Air Canada and Emirates have launched a codeshare partnership, with aims to provide customers with access to 46 points across North America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Business Traveller first reported on the plans in July, though further details have now been revealed.
Codeshare tickets to 35 markets are available via the carriers’ websites for travel from December 1. The additional 11 markets will be added “pending final regulatory approval”, with the potential for further markets also suggested by the carriers.
Emirates customers will be able to book codeshare flights to and from Canadian points beyond Toronto, including Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver.
Air Canada, meanwhile, will place its code on routes operated by Emirates from its hub in Dubai, expanding the airline’s reach across the Indian subcontinent and unlocking destinations such as Colombo, Dhaka, Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
The carriers also announced plans to introduce a reciprocal frequent flyer offering, allowing members of Aeroplan and Skywards to earn and redeem points when flying with both airlines.
Eligible passengers will also be able to benefit from reciprocal lounge access, along with select benefits for Aeroplan Elite and Skywards members when travelling on the partner airline. Further details and launch dates are set to be announced at a later date.
Michael Rousseau, president and CEO at Air Canada, commented:
“This exciting new partnership with Emirates will allow Air Canada to meaningfully broaden the choice of flight options for our customers. It will create easier connections between Canada and destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
“As well, it will allow us to draw more connecting traffic through our Toronto global hub and expand our presence in these dynamic regions where demand for global travel is expected to grow.”
Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airlines, added:
“We are delighted to establish a partnership with Air Canada, to expand our reach into more points in North America. Partnering with Canada’sflag carrier enables us to offer customers seamless connectivity when flying to domestic points within Canada via Toronto.
“Besides the added-value benefits and rewarding experiences that leisure and business travellers of both airlines can look forward to, the partnership allows Air Canada’s customers to travel to destinations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, thanks to our expansive network via our hub in Dubai.”