Key takeaways:
- The renewed Air Canada–Emirates partnership gives both carriers a longer runway to shape their joint network and commercial plans through 2032.
- The deal sets out broader cooperation in passenger and cargo operations, including potential new gateways and a possible cargo joint venture.
- Expanded codeshares and aligned loyalty programmes indicate a deeper level of integration across both airlines’ global networks.
Air Canada and Emirates have agreed to expand their partnership, putting a new deal in place that keeps the collaboration running through 2032 and builds on a relationship that has steadily taken shape since 2022. Over the past three years, the two carriers have connected more than 550,000 customers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the United States, Dubai and a range of international destinations.
The latest memorandum of understanding sets out plans to widen cooperation in both passenger and cargo operations while also assessing new Canadian gateways that could support future codeshare expansion. The airlines intend to intensify joint commercial activity and reinforce the network advantages that have shaped the cooperation to date.
Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said the renewed agreement will advance commercial alignment and broaden customer and cargo access across both networks.
Steady gains have marked the alliance from the start. Codeshare coverage across North America has expanded, and both carriers continue to broaden cooperation on services operating between Dubai and Canada. Emirates now has its code on 37 Air Canada and U.S. destinations, while Air Canada places its code on 19 Emirates routes serving the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Southeast Asia. Beyond codesharing, an interline agreement gives customers access to more than 225 global destinations.
Air Canada and Emirates are also assessing the possibility of a cargo-focused joint venture to bolster global commodity flows, alongside deeper operational coordination and enhanced priority benefits for eligible travellers. These efforts are expected to continue as Emirates prepares for its anticipated move to Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International Airport after 2032.
Loyalty integration remains central to the cooperation. Aeroplan and Skywards members can earn and redeem points or miles across the combined network, with reciprocal lounge access and priority services where applicable. The carriers also plan to include Premium Economy cabins in their reciprocal redemption options. Operationally, Air Canada maintains daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights on the Toronto–Dubai route, while Emirates operates daily A380 service to Toronto and seven weekly Boeing 777 flights between Dubai and Montréal.
