United Airlines and Emirates announced an historic commercial agreement on Wednesday that will give customers of both airlines easier access to hundreds of destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

On Wednesday (September 14, 2022) United Airlines announced the signing of an historic commercial agreement with Emirates which will expand global connectivity for customers of both airlines. The agreement was announced at a special ceremony at Dulles International Airport hosted by United’s CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates’ President Sir Tim Clark, featuring Boeing 777-300ERs and flight crew members from both airlines. As part of the agreement, United will launch new direct service between New York/Newark (EWR) and Dubai (DXB) from March 2023.
Customers traveling to Dubai will also enjoy seamless onward connectivity with Emirates or their sister carrier flydubai to over 100 destinations. From November 2022, Emirates’ guests flying to Chicago, San Francisco and Houston will have access to nearly 200 U.S. cities in United’s network, most of which only require a one-stop connection. The airlines will also have an interline agreement in place at eight other U.S. airports served by Emirates including Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC.
Speaking at Wednesday’s event, United Airlines’ CEO, Scott Kirby, said,
“This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies. United's new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties. This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together.”
Also commenting on the historic commercial agreement, Emirates’ President, Sir Tim Clark, said,
“Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It's a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer. We welcome United's return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai. We look forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term.”

Under the new agreement, loyalty program members of both airlines will have more opportunities to earn rewards. United MileagePlus® members traveling from Newark to Dubai will soon be able to earn and redeem miles when making an inward connection with Emirates or flydubai. Likewise, Emirates Skywards members will be able to earn miles when traveling on United operated flights. Additionally, eligible United customers traveling on the carrier’s new Dubai flight will soon have access to Emirates world-class lounges.
Source(s): United Airlines/PRNewswire, Emirates