United and Emirates announced a commercial agreement today that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of destinations within the United States and around the world.
United will launch a new direct flight between Newark/New York and Dubai starting in March 2023 – from there, customers can travel on Emirates or flydubai to more than 100 different cities.
Starting in November, Emirates customers flying into three of the nation’s biggest business hubs – Chicago, San Francisco and Houston – will have access to nearly 200 U.S. cities in the United network – most of which only require a one-stop connection. At eight other U.S. airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.
United and Emirates announced their agreement today at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier.
“United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties. This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together,”
United CEO Scott Kirby
“Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates.
“We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai. We look forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term.”
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline
Frequent Flyer Benefit
Soon customers of both airlines can book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier.
United MileagePlus members flying on United’s Newark/New York to Dubai flight can soon earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai and Emirates Skywards members will be able to earn miles when they travel on United operated flights. Eligible United customers will also soon have access to Emirates lounges when connecting to and from United’s new Dubai flight.
Sorry to say, but this proposed joint venture is perhaps one of the most laughable and unimaginable aviation business plans ever. United Airlines would need to undergo a truly profound change of culture, leadership and customer service to even come close to the world class services and stellar reputation of the Emirates Airline Group. American carriers have for decades placed that of their passengers and employees way below their corporate objectives for profitability and have barely stayed operational thanks to generous U. S. Government bailouts. In the short time that United Airlines merged with Continental Airlines, the air carrier has already managed to completely destroy the once heralded services of Continental Airlines. And may the Heaven forbid that Emirates hand over any leadership positions to a United Airlines management member.
I’m afraid the nightmare in this commercial from Emirates will come true for their premium passengers who dare fly United.
Sorry to see this. United’s service levels are so far below Emirates that I see lots of unhappy EK travelers and if EK allows reciprocal privileges the United folks may saturate the award seats.
Time will tell, but just my opinion.