UAE-based airline Emirates has entered a new set of agreements with budget airline flydubai to jointly support the development of flight networks and operations.

The new deals include a codeshare agreement and integrated network collaboration with coordinated flight scheduling.

The first code-sharing arrangements under the new contract are expected to be introduced by the end of this year.

To be implemented over the upcoming months, the new contracts will enable flydubai customers to receive improved connectivity services to Emirates’ destinations, which span across six continents worldwide.

"This new partnership will unlock the immense value that the complementary models of both companies can bring to consumers, each airline, and to Dubai.”

Emirates customers will also benefit from flydubai’s regional network capabilities.

However, the new contracts will not affect the ownership structure of the airlines, which will continue to be managed independently.

Emirates chairman and chief executive Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Both airlines have grown independently and successfully over the years, and this new partnership will unlock the immense value that the complementary models of both companies can bring to consumers, each airline, and to Dubai.”

Emirates currently runs a fleet of 259 aircraft flying to 157 destinations, while flydubai operates 58 new-generation Boeing 737 aircraft to 95 destinations.

The newly signed agreements aim to create a combined fleet of 380 aircraft flying to as many as 240 destinations by 2022.

The deals will also see both airlines work together on various initiatives covering the fields of commercial, network planning, airport operations, customer journeys, and frequent flyer programmes.


Image: Emirates and flydubai aircraft. Photo: courtesy of The Emirates Group.