Emirates and Air China Strengthen Alliance with New Memorandum of Understanding
At the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) held in New Delhi, Emirates and Air China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their interline cooperation and strengthen their joint presence in key markets.
The agreement was signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, and Yan Fei, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Air China, alongside other senior executives from both airlines.
A Partnership with History and New Horizons
Adnan Kazim highlighted that the relationship between the two airlines began in July 1999 and that since 2018, over 18,000 Emirates customers have benefited from the connectivity offered by their interline agreement. “The recent launch of our flights to Shenzhen and Hangzhou clearly demonstrates our commitment to the Chinese market. Shenzhen will feature our most advanced products, including the new Premium Economy cabin. We are dedicated to further investing in mainland China and strengthening our collaboration with Air China to meet the growing demand for travel and trade,” Kazim stated.
Yan Fei emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement: “Air China deeply values its cooperation with Emirates. The signing of this memorandum marks a significant milestone in deepening our ties. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this agreement will enable us to expand our route network between China and the UAE, as well as to other global destinations.”
→ Emirates’ New Livery Dedicated to Its Courier Express Service
Concrete Benefits for Passengers and Cargo
The MoU includes plans to explore a reciprocal codeshare agreement on selected routes. This will allow each airline to place its code on the other’s flights, covering primary routes between China and the UAE as well as connections beyond Beijing and Dubai.
A cooperation framework will also be developed for cargo operations and frequent flyer programs, enhancing value for both travelers and businesses. Additionally, the two airlines will explore schedule coordination or adjustments to minimum connection times to ensure a seamless customer experience.
A More Integrated Travel Experience
Passengers will benefit from single-ticket itineraries, expanded access to VIP lounges, and a unified booking process. These improvements aim to simplify travel and enhance customer satisfaction.
Collaboration Beyond Business
The agreement also includes the exchange of best practices in areas such as revenue management, data analysis, digitalization, brand management, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Through joint knowledge-sharing activities and visits, both airlines aim to innovate and advance key topics for the future of aviation.
Emirates Expands Its Presence in China
Starting July 30, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to mainland China, including double-daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.
This expansion reflects not only the Emirati airline’s commercial strategy but also the strengthening of bilateral ties between the UAE and China, aligned with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Related Topics
Delta Announces First Nonstop Route Between Salt Lake City and South America
Delta Cannibalizes New Airbus Aircraft in Europe to Keep U.S. Fleet Operational
Miami Airport Begins Construction of First-of-its-Kind Private Terminal in the U.S.
American Airlines Launches New Routes and Boosts Operations in Latin America and Caribbean for Winter
Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.