Let's look at what this can mean for flyers, elite members and those with miles in both loyalty programs by analyzing what we do and don't know about this new Air Canada-Emirates partnership.
Air Canada and Emirates partnership details
Air Canada and Dubai-based Emirates plan to launch a new partnership later this year, according to a press release issued July 12. This new strategic partnership will offer codeshare flights between the two airlines and was first reported by One Mile at a Time.
Codeshare flights allow passengers to buy a single ticket that can include flights on two different, sometimes unaffiliated, airlines. The goal is to expand access to where passengers can travel without the need to buy separate tickets or complete a new check-in at the airport. Codeshare operations also help airlines financially since they can sell tickets to more destinations. The airlines can do all this without having to fly their planes to more destinations, thanks to partnerships.
At present, Emirates flies between its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) five days per week. Air Canada also serves this route five days per week. However, Air Canada does not presently offer flights beyond Dubai for its own passengers. Likewise, Emirates does not offer flights to other points in Canada.
This new partnership between Air Canada and Emirates will allow passengers from Canada to fly beyond Dubai on a single ticket. It will also offer Emirates passengers the ability to fly beyond Toronto to other points in Canada — all on a single ticket.
The press release states that reciprocal benefits for elite members in Emirates Skywards and Air Canada's Aeroplan program are forthcoming.
Related: What are codeshare flights and how do they work?
What we still don't know
While the press release mentions reciprocal benefits for elite members coming in the future, there is no specific date for when these benefits will go live. The press release also doesn't mention a start date for the upcoming codeshare flights.
Moreover, there is no mention of the ability to redeem Emirates Skywards miles for Air Canada flights or Aeroplan points for Emirates flights. When (or if) this will be possible is not mentioned.
If it becomes possible to redeem points and miles on the other partner airline, several questions immediately come to mind. First, will the heavy fees commonly associated with Emirates awards be levied on Aeroplan bookings — since Aeroplan typically doesn't charge these? And will Aeroplan award bookings have access to Emirates first class, now that other partners lost access to these bookings? We'll have to wait and see.
Bottom line
New partnerships beyond airline alliances are interesting and present unique travel opportunities. Air Canada (a Star Alliance member) and Emirates (a non-alliance airline) have announced plans for a strategic partnership that will begin offering codeshare flights later this year. The specifics of routes and dates are unknown, but this partnership should enable flyers on both airlines to access additional flights and destinations.
What this partnership means for elite members and those with miles in either program remains to be seen. As we learn more about the partnership, we will be sure to share updates.
