Emirates, Air Canada Extend Partnership to 2032
Emirates and Air Canada have announced a significant expansion and early renewal of their strategic partnership, extending their cooperation until 2032. The agreement builds on the strong success of their joint operations since 2022, which have already connected more than 550,000 passengers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the United States, Dubai and key destinations worldwide.
The two airlines signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen their reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership, offering customers greater connectivity, improved travel benefits and increased access to new gateways in Canada. The enhanced cooperation will also strengthen air cargo operations, supporting trade flows between the Americas, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Galardo, said the renewed partnership aligns with the airline’s international growth strategy and enhances its ability to serve customers with strong ties to regions covered by the network.
He noted that the collaboration supports Air Canada’s year-round service between Toronto and Dubai while offering seamless global connections.
Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, described the partnership as highly successful, emphasising its value for both passenger services and cargo operations.
He highlighted that enhanced cooperation will help facilitate trade expansion between the UAE and Canada, supporting economic growth and unlocking future opportunities.
The extended agreement will improve the customer experience through enhanced premium services at more airports and strengthened operational coordination. As part of long-term planning, both airlines are preparing for a future transfer of operations to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport after 2032.
Since its launch, the partnership has expanded steadily. Emirates customers now enjoy access to 37 destinations operated by Air Canada in Canada and the U.S., while Air Canada places its code on 19 Emirates routes across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Overall, the interline and codeshare network gives travellers access to more than 225 destinations globally.
Mary-Jane Lorette, Air Canada’s Vice President International Affairs, Network & Partnerships, praised the partnership as one of the airline’s most effective, citing seamless connections, expanded loyalty benefits and increased choice for customers.
She confirmed that both Skywards and Aeroplan members will soon be able to earn and redeem points in each airline’s Premium Economy cabin, unlocking rewards across all classes.
The partnership also supports growing trade between Canada and the UAE. Bilateral trade rose by 14% between 2022 and 2023, with Canadian exports reaching CAD $3.3 billion in 2024. Shipments on Emirates aircraft have also increased, reflecting rising demand from Canadian businesses.
Air Canada operates daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights between Toronto and Dubai, while Emirates offers daily A380 services to Toronto and seven weekly Boeing 777 flights to Montréal. Travellers can now enjoy smoother connections, improved lounge access for eligible customers, and greater choice when travelling across both networks.
