United and Emirates have partnered to enhance each airline’s network, giving customers easier access to hundreds of destinations within the United States and around the world. This historical commercial agreement will see United launching a new direct flight between Newark, New York and Dubai in March 2023. Customers can then travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to over 100 different city. Tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale.
Starting November, Emirates customers flying to Chicago, San Francisco and Houston will have access to nearly 200 U.S. cities in the United network, most of which require a one-stop connection. At the eight other U.S. airports Emirates flies to, which include Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC, both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place. Codeshare activities and United’s new flight to Dubai are subject to government approvals.
United and Emirates announced their agreement on 14 September 2022 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.
Scott Kirby, United’s CEO shared “This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies. 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.”
“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. 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,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates.
Both airlines’ customers will soon be able to book connecting flights on a single ticket, allowing for faster and easier check-in and luggage transfer.
United MileagePlus members flying on United’s Newark/New York to Dubai flight can soon earn and redeem miles while connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai. Emirates’ Skyrewards members can earn miles on United-operated flights. Eligible United members will soon have access to Emirates lounges when connecting to and from United’s new Dubai flight.
Both airlines have recently announced significant investments in the customer experience. Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2 billion effort that includes elevated meal choices, a brand-new vegan menu, a ‘cinema in the sky’ experience, cabin interior upgrades, and sustainable choices. At United, the airline will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior that includes seat-back screens in every seat, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity throughout, and the industry’s fastest available in-flight WiFi.
