Emirates expands network to 29 flydubai destinations

Emirates will expand its network to 29 flydubai destinations across three continents through codeshare, the two Dubai-based carriers said in a joint statement.

The move is in the wake of a recent partnership agreement both airlines reached, which will see the creation of additional city pair connections in a phased manner.

Emirates, which currently have code-sharing agreements with around 20 airlines across the world, said in July that it entered into an "extensive partnership" with flydubai, which will involve a greater integration of services offered between the two airlines.

The new partner network, through its codeshare, will offer greater frequency and easier access to more global destinations with the advantage of connecting baggage to the final destination. Passengers can book from today on Emirates.com through the Emirates Contact Centres or the travel agents network with travel commencing from 29 October 2017.

"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," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group and Chairman of flydubai.

"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.

"Emirates and flydubai will deliver a product experience reflective of their unique brand characteristics. When booked together, as part of the codeshare, Emirates passengers will receive complimentary meals and the Emirates checked baggage allowance on flights operated by flydubai in both Business and Economy Classes," the statement said.

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 (MCT) between Emirates' home in Terminal 3 and flydubai's in Terminal 2 of 120 minutes.

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.

Skywards Premium members can also enjoy their extra checked baggage allowances of 20kg (Platinum members), 16kg (Gold members) and 12kg (Silver members) on codeshare flights operated by flydubai in addition to the Emirates free checked baggage allowance.

Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members travelling on codeshare flights can access flydubai's Business Check-in counters and receive priority tags.

Further benefits for members of each airlines' frequent flyer and loyalty programmes will be announced in due course.

Emirates and flydubai partnership codeshare destinations include Asmara (Eritrea), Belgrade (Serbia), Kiev Zhulyany (Ukraine), Juba (South Sudan), Krasnodar (Russia), Samara (Russia), Kazan (Russia), Mineralnye Vody (Russia), Odessa (Ukraine), Prague (Czech Republic), Rostov-on-Don (Russia), Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Skopje (Macedonia), Sofia (Bulgaria), Tbilisi (Georgia), Kuwait (Kuwait), Baku (Azerbaijan), Lucknow (India), Ahwaz (Iran), Bandar Abbas (Iran), Esfahan (Iran), Lar (Iran), Shiraz (Iran), Najaf (Iraq), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Muscat (Oman), Salalah (Oman), Yekaterinburg (Russia), and Bucharest (Romania).

Source: Khaleej Times