Emirates and Air Canada have announced the multi-year extension and expansion of their strategic partnership until 2032, marking a new phase of collaboration between two of the world’s leading international airlines.
The renewed agreement will strengthen passenger and cargo connectivity, enhance loyalty benefits, and add new gateways within Canada.
Since launching their partnership in 2022, the airlines have served more than 550,000 travellers across 56 joint routes linking Canada, the US, Dubai, and key destinations across Asia and the Middle East. Together, they now offer access to more than 225 destinations worldwide through combined codeshare and interline arrangements.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, said the extended agreement “strengthens our international strategy by supporting our daily, year-round service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.” He added that renewing the partnership early “enhances our ability to connect Canada to the world amid evolving trade and travel patterns.”
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said the collaboration “strengthens our passenger and cargo capabilities, enabling us to enhance customer experiences on codeshare flights while expanding network connectivity for travellers across both markets.”
The enhanced agreement will see both airlines deepen operational coordination, including joint efforts to improve premium travel experiences and strengthen cargo cooperation. Emirates and Air Canada are exploring the creation of a cargo-focused joint venture to boost efficiency and expand global freight capacity between the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2022, Air Canada’s relocation to Emirates’ Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport has streamlined transfers and given eligible travellers access to Emirates’ premium lounges. The airlines are also planning for a smooth transition when Emirates moves to Dubai World Central – Maktoum International Airport after 2032.
Both carriers’ loyalty programmes, Aeroplan and Emirates Skywards, now allow members to earn and redeem miles across their combined global networks, with plans to expand rewards to all cabin classes, including Premium Economy.
Air connectivity between Canada and the UAE continues to fuel trade, which grew 14 per cent between 2022 and 2023. Canadian exports reached CAD 3.3 billion in 2024, up 17 per cent year-on-year, while cargo shipments on Emirates aircraft rose 37 per cent.
The extended partnership underscores the growing importance of the Canada–UAE air corridor and reinforces both airlines’ commitment to expanding global connectivity and trade links.
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