Emirates, Flydubai partner to expand routes

Following the commencement of their partnership, Emirates and flydubai have revealed plans to have Emirates expand its network to 29 flydubai destinations across three continents.

The new partner network, through a codeshare, would offer greater frequency and easier access to more global destinations with the advantage of connecting baggage to the final destination, the organisations said, adding that passengers could book from October 3rd on Emirates.com, through the Emirates contact centres or the travel agents’ network with travel commencing from 29 October 2017.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of flydubai, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “This is an exciting first step in unlocking the benefits of the partnership for passengers who will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique advantages each airline offers as well as greater choice and flexibility when connecting via Dubai.

“This is just the start and as we expand the partner network in the coming months we will open up more opportunities for our passengers to explore the world.”

He said that throughout the customer journey Emirates and flydubai would deliver a product experience reflective of their unique brand characteristics and that when booked together, as part of the codeshare, Emirates passengers would receive complimentary meals and the Emirates checked baggage allowance on flights operated by flydubai in both business and economy classes.

The airline said in a statement, “Connecting in Dubai’s aviation hub offers a smooth transfer experience and under the new partnership passengers will benefit from a reduced minimum connection time between Emirates’ home in Terminal 3 and flydubai’s in Terminal 2 of 120 minutes.

“This announcement is an initial phase of the extensive agreement that will, in future phases see the creation of additional city pair connections as the codeshare agreement is expanded and both airlines’ networks are optimized. In this first phase of the partnership, Emirates Skywards members can earn Skywards miles and Skywards Tier Miles on codeshare flights as per the existing Skywards mileage programme.

“In addition to the Emirates free checked baggage allowance, Skywards Premium members can also enjoy their extra checked baggage allowances of 20kg for platinum members, 16kg for gold members and 12kg for silver members on codeshare flights operated by flydubai.”