Emirates and Air Canada have announced a significant expansion and early renewal of their strategic partnership, extending the collaboration through 2032. The new multi-year agreement builds on strong performance since the partnership launched in 2022, during which more than 550,000 customers have connected across 56 joint codeshare routes linking Canada, the U.S., Dubai, and key global destinations.
The extended partnership will maintain the airlines’ reciprocal codeshares and loyalty programme cooperation while broadening collaboration across both passenger and cargo services. The airlines said the agreement may lead to new Canadian gateways being added to the codeshare network over the coming years.
Strengthening passenger and cargo capabilities
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said:
“Our strategic partnership with Air Canada has delivered exceptional results, and we are pleased to extend this collaboration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our passenger and cargo capabilities, enabling us to enhance customer experiences on codeshare flights while expanding network connectivity for travellers across both markets.”
He noted that the partnership has supported trade growth between the UAE and Canada, adding that enhanced cargo cooperation will remain a priority.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo at Air Canada, said:
“Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates has been highly successful, and we are proud to renew it early, expanding its scope and extending its duration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our international strategy by supporting our daily, year-round service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.”
Expanded customer benefits and aligned operations
Under the expanded partnership, travellers will gain improved priority services, streamlined connections, and closer operational alignment between both carriers. The airlines confirmed that they are preparing for the eventual transition of operations to Dubai World Central after 2032.
Since 2022, Air Canada has also moved its Dubai operations to Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, granting eligible passengers access to Emirates lounges and facilities. Their loyalty programmes — Aeroplan and Skywards — offer reciprocal earning and redemption, with future expansion planned, including into Premium Economy cabins.
Growing codeshare network and increased connectivity
The Emirates–Air Canada codeshare network now connects Emirates customers to 37 destinations across Canada and the United States, with recent additions including:
- Toronto – Minneapolis
- Montréal – Calgary
- Vancouver – Los Angeles
Air Canada places its code on 19 Emirates routes across the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Their interline agreement extends access to more than 225 destinations worldwide.
Mary-Jane Lorette, Vice President, International Affairs, Network and Partnerships at Air Canada, said:
“Partnerships are one of the most powerful engines of growth in our business, and our collaboration with Emirates is a perfect example. Since launching in 2022, more than half-a-million customers — almost 500 every single day — have seamlessly connected across our combined networks.”
Boosting trade and tourism
Both carriers emphasised the partnership’s importance in driving tourism, strengthening global connectivity, and supporting the growing trade relationship between Canada and the UAE.
- Bilateral trade between the two countries rose 14% between 2022 and 2023, reaching CAD 3.3 billion in Canadian exports in 2024.
- Emirates reported a 37% year-on-year increase in cargo tonnage from Canada.
Air Canada currently operates daily Boeing 787 services between Toronto and Dubai, while Emirates flies its A380 daily to Toronto and operates seven weekly Boeing 777 flights to Montréal.
With enhanced cargo cooperation, expanded passenger benefits, and greater network alignment, both airlines position the renewed partnership as a cornerstone of their long-term international growth strategy.