Emirates Airline, the world's biggest operator of A380 superjumbo aircraft, and Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai, have entered their first codeshare agreement that will allow Emirates to expand its network to 29 routes operated by the no-frills airline.
Emirates passengers will be able to book flights from October 3 with travel commencing on flydubai's codeshare destinations from October 29, the airline said in a statement yesterday. Most of the first codeshare destinations are located in Russia, Eastern Europe, India and the Arabian Gulf region.
"This is an exciting first step in unlocking the benefits of the partnership for passengers," said Emirates' chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, who is also the 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."
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Emirates and flydubai to work more closely together
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The codeshare agreement is the initial phase of a partnership that will, in future phases, see the creation of additional city pair connections as the codeshare agreement is expanded and both airlines' networks are optimised, Emirates said.
Emirates in July said it has entered into an "extensive partnership" with flydubai, which will involve a greater integration of services offered between the two airlines.
Although, both carriers will continue to be managed independently, the pair will collaborate on networks and co-ordinate schedules to offer passengers greater connectivity. This will offer greater city pairing options, Emirates said, and help to feed traffic to both airlines' respective networks.
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, according to the statement. The passengers will benefit from a reduced minimum connection time between Terminal 3 in Dubai, Emirates' base of operation, and flydubai's Terminal 2 of 120 minutes.
Flydubai's operations span 95 destinations in 44 countries. The fast-growing airline has opened up 67 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.
