Canada Teams Up with UAE, USA, India, and More in Major Air Canada-Emirates Deal Set to Revolutionize Passenger Experience and Boost Global Trade!

Published on November 20, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Air Canada and Emirates have announced a major expansion and extension of their strategic partnership, extending their collaboration until 2032. The renewed agreement will deepen the codeshare network, increase customer benefits, and significantly enhance cargo cooperation. This partnership aims to improve travel and trade between Canada, the UAE, the USA, India, and Southeast Asia, as well as bolster their combined operations in the growing global market.

Since the partnership’s inception in 2022, the two airlines have served over 550,000 customers, connecting them across 56 codeshare routes spanning Canada, Dubai, the USA, and numerous other destinations globally. The expanded agreement will build on these successes, providing customers with more seamless connectivity and strengthening the airlines’ joint cargo capabilities, facilitating two-way trade between the Americas, Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

What Does the Partnership Expansion Mean for Air Canada and Emirates?

The strategic extension between Air Canada and Emirates signals an even stronger commitment to enhancing the travel experience for passengers and improving cargo logistics. The airlines will offer enhanced premium services at additional airports, facilitating faster connections and improved customer experiences.

The renewed partnership will also focus on strengthening cargo cooperation, which has already been key in increasing trade volumes between the UAE and Canada. With enhanced logistics support, the partnership will help both airlines better handle global commodity movements, supporting trade expansion and contributing to the prosperity of both economies.

How Will the Expansion Benefit Passengers and Shippers?

The expanded codeshare agreement will continue to offer customers greater access to more destinations across Canada, UAE, and beyond. The two carriers will also explore the potential for a joint venture focused on cargo operations, which will streamline the movement of goods and improve the availability of services across the globe.

Passengers will benefit from improved loyalty program integration between Aeroplan and Emirates Skywards. This will allow travelers to earn and redeem miles on both carriers’ flights, as well as gain access to lounges, priority boarding, and other premium services.

Which Routes Are Being Expanded and How Will the Customer Experience Improve?

The agreement also includes the addition of new routes to the codeshare network. Recently, Air Canada added new services from Toronto to Minneapolis, Montréal to Calgary, and Vancouver to Los Angeles. Passengers flying on Emirates will also benefit from access to 19 additional routes operated by Air Canada to destinations in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

The partnership expansion will also bring operational coordination between both airlines to ensure smooth transitions for travelers, such as facilitating their movement to the new Dubai World Central (DWC) airport, which is expected to be a hub for both carriers after 2032.

Air Canada’s Role in the Partnership and Its Strategic Importance

This extension further solidifies Air Canada’s international strategy, which has already benefited from its daily, year-round service between Toronto and Dubai. With the ability to place its code on Emirates flights to destinations like India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, Air Canada’s global network has significantly expanded, providing customers with more flexibility and a wider range of travel options.

In addition, Air Canada’s relocation of its operations to Dubai International’s flagship Terminal 3 has allowed both airlines to optimize customer connectivity. Travelers flying on Air Canada can now access Emirates’ signature Business Class Lounges and other premium services, making the travel experience even more seamless.

Cargo Operations and Bilateral Trade Expansion

Cargo cooperation between Air Canada and Emirates has already seen increased trade between Canada and the UAE since the original partnership. The expansion of the cargo network will play a crucial role in supporting trade relationships, particularly in industries such as electronics, automotive, and agriculture. The airlines’ strengthened cooperation will help streamline the transport of goods between the Americas and regions such as the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, creating new growth opportunities for both airlines.

What’s Next for Air Canada and Emirates?

Looking ahead, the Air Canada-Emirates partnership aims to create a more connected world, one that facilitates both passenger travel and trade on an even larger scale. The extended agreement is aligned with the airlines’ shared vision of improving air connectivity while meeting passenger demand across multiple regions.

This partnership, designed to foster innovation and sustainability, will contribute significantly to the continued growth of both Air Canada and Emirates within the Middle Eastern and North American markets. The collaboration will also support Oman Vision 2040 by offering more opportunities for expansion and increased cross-regional connectivity, enhancing air travel between the Americas, Middle East, and beyond.

Conclusion: A Stronger Future for Global Connectivity

The extension of the strategic partnership between Air Canada and Emirates marks a new chapter in the global connectivity story. With enhanced services, expanded routes, and stronger cargo cooperation, passengers can expect a more integrated, flexible, and efficient air travel experience. This partnership is set to play a key role in boosting travel between Canada, the UAE, the USA, and Southeast Asia, supporting trade and tourism in the coming years.