Emirates and Air China to Explore Enhanced Commercial Partnership

Emirates has today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic framework for expanding their existing reciprocal interline partnership with Air China.  The MoU was signed at IATA’s 81st AGM in New Delhi. 

Emirates and Air China Ink Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Establish a Framework for Expanded Commercial Cooperation and More - Courtesy Emirates

On Tuesday (June 3, 2025), Emirates announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air China at IATA’s 81st AGM and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi to establish a strategic framework to expand their existing interline partnership.  The agreement was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Yan Fei, Air China’s SVP and Chief Commercial Officer, accompanied by senior executives from both airlines.  As part of the MoU, Emirates and Air China will explore a reciprocal codeshare on select routes across both networks, allowing each airline to place their marketing code on the other’s flights on the China-UAE trunk routes, as well as beyond Beijing and Dubai, subject to government approvals.

In Tuesday’s announcement, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, said,

“Our partnership with Air China commenced 26 years ago (July 1999) and since 2018 approximately, 18,000 Emirates customers have benefited from the expanded connectivity offered through our interline agreement.

“Building on this success, we’ve recently announced the launch of two new Chinese cities—Shenzhen and Hangzhou—which will strengthen our East Asia operations. Shenzhen will feature our best-in-class products, including our brand-new Premium Economy cabin.  As we continue expanding our investments in Chinese mainland, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Air China to meet growing travel demand in this strategic market and create new pathways for travel and trade between China and the global community.”

Also commenting on the MoU to expand commercial cooperation, Air China’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Yan Fei, added,

“Air China highly values the cooperation with Emirates.  The signing of this memorandum is an important milestone for the deepening of the cooperation between the two sides.  Air China continues to implement “Belt and Road Initiative.”  By collaborating with Emirates, we will further expand our route network in China-UAE and global market and jointly promote global connectivity.”

The airlines will also develop a framework for cooperation across cargo operations and loyalty programs, enhancing their value proposition for both travelers and businesses.  Additionally, to enhance seamless connectivity for guests, Emirates and Air China will explore coordinating flight schedules or adjusting minimum connecting times.  Once the proposed codeshare is activated, customers of both airlines will enjoy a simplified booking process, single ticket itineraries, wider lounge access, and access to new and exciting destinations.  Beyond commercial cooperation, the airlines also plan on exchanging best practices in areas such as revenue management, data analytics, digitalisation, brand management and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), among others.

From July 30, 2025, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese Mainland, including twice daily flights to Beijing and Shanghai, along with daily service to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou.  The carrier’s continued expansion of services to the Chinese Mainland reflects deepening UAE-China bilateral ties.

Source: Emirates