Continuing a series of new and expanded partnerships established at ITB Berlin 2024, Emirates has today announced the signing of MoUs with both Icelandair and GO7, a travel technology and ticketing specialist, to develop deeper commercial cooperation.
On Thursday (March 7, 2024), from ITB Berlin 2024, Emirates announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Icelandair, as well as with travel technology and ticketing specialist GO7, to develop deeper commercial cooperation. The goal of these agreements is to leverage the strength of Emirates and Icelandair’s networks, in addition to using GO7’s modern tools for more efficient intermodal combined air and rail ticket connections. These MoUs set the framework for the potential codeshare cooperation between Emirates and Icelandair, while expanding intermodal programs offered by virtual interlines across the Emirates network.
In Thursday’s announcement, Emirates Airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, said,
“We are pleased to deepen our partnerships with Icelandair and GO7. Their networks and intermodal capabilities complement our European presence, providing an array of connections for our customers to simplify their journeys. Together, we will open up new travel opportunities, and more choice for customers wishing to travel across Europe. We believe that these partnerships will bring real benefits to our customers and business, and we’re taking positive steps towards further strengthening our relationships in the future.”
Also commenting on the expanded commercial cooperation with Emirates, Icelandair’s President and CEO, Bogi Nils Bogason, said,
“We are excited to announce our upcoming strategic partnership with Emirates, opening new opportunities for our customers across the Middle East and Asia. Emirates will become Icelandair’s 7th global airline codeshare partner. We have and will continue to expand our network of partner airlines, focusing on working with airlines that offer great service and connectivity. We welcome Emirates as a partner and look forward to working with them to make the journeys of our passengers smooth and enjoyable.”
GO7’s Chief Distribution Officer, Peer Winter, added,
“We’re committed to providing airlines with innovative technology-led solutions that give them more control. We are delighted to sign this MoU with Emirates, building upon our successful history together. With Emirates already offering multimodal network connections through the GDS, including Rail & Fly via W2 by GO7, our new agreement takes it further. This partnership will provide a holistic approach to Airline Distribution for Emirates, enabling them to strengthen their offering across their direct channels. Passengers will be able to complete their journeys seamlessly with multiple airlines and rail operators through a single ticket, bypassing traditional industry channels.”
Emirates and Icelandair plan on expanding their existing interline partnership with a full reciprocal codeshare agreement. The planned codeshare will offer customers connecting to Emirates’ gateways in Europe convenient access to Reykjavik (REK). Initially, Emirates will place their ‘EK’ marketing code on the best connecting Icelandair flights, while Icelandair will place their ‘FI’ code on Emirates flights between various gateways in Europe, Dubai, and beyond with Emirates’ extensive global network. Once the codeshare is fully activated, customers will enjoy single-ticket travel with competitive fares and one-stop baggage check-in.
Founded in 1937, Icelandair uses their unique geographical location as a hub midway between Europe and North America, and offers direct flights to over 50 destinations. The carrier also operates a domestic flight network in Iceland, an airfreight and logistics business, and also offers leasing and consulting services. In 2023, Icelandair transported 4.3 million passengers to 55 destinations in Europe and North America, generating revenue of US $1.5 billion. The company employs approximately 3,600 full-time employees.
Source: Emirates