Air Canada and Emirates extend strategic partnership to 2032 with major multi-year expansion

Air Canada and Emirates will extend their strategic partnership through 2032 under a major, multi-year expansion that broadens codesharing, deepens loyalty benefits, and strengthens cargo cooperation across their global networks.

What’s new

The airlines signed an MoU to extend their reciprocal codeshare and loyalty agreement until December 31, 2032, building on a tie-up launched in 2022 that has already connected over 550,000 customers across 56 codeshare routes to more than 225 destinations worldwide. The expansion adds improved priority benefits for eligible passengers, broader airport access, enhanced operational coordination, and plans for Premium Economy redemption access across both programs.

Passenger benefits

Travellers will see more seamless itineraries between Canada, the U.S., Dubai, and onward markets across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, supported by coordinated schedules and lounge access enhancements, including Air Canada’s alignment with Emirates’ Terminal 3 in Dubai. The deal aims to enhance the customer journey end-to-end, including future coordination around Dubai World Central’s planned transition after 2032.

Cargo and trade

Both carriers will scale two-way cargo flows between the Americas and key markets in the Middle East and Asia, with a potential cargo joint venture under exploration to accelerate global commodities movement. Rising Canada–UAE trade and growing cargo volumes underpin the decision, with the airlines citing increased demand from shippers alongside passenger growth.

Leadership statements

Air Canada’s Mark Galardo called the renewal an early, expanded commitment that supports daily Toronto–Dubai service and improves global connectivity for customers and shippers. Emirates’ Adnan Kazim said the extension enhances passenger and cargo capabilities while unlocking new Canadian gateways and richer loyalty propositions.

By the numbers

Since 2022, the partnership has enabled 56 codeshare routes, served 550,000+ customers, and opened access to 225+ destinations across both networks, metrics that are expected to grow under the renewed agreement to 2032. Network adds this year included Air Canada-operated links like Toronto–Minneapolis, Montréal–Calgary, and Vancouver–Los Angeles within the expanded codeshare footprint.