By Robb M. Stewart

Air Canada is expanding and extending its partnership with Emirates Airline, offering connections for passengers of the two carriers as well as increased cooperation on cargo shipments.

The Canadian airline said a memorandum of understanding has been signed to extend the reciprocal codeshare and loyalty-program alliance until the end of 2032.

The commitment by the airlines builds on a three-year-old agreement, which since its launch has connected travellers on 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the U.S., Dubai and other destinations.

The partnership between Air Canada and Emirates promises to strengthen tourism and trade between Canada and United Arab Emirates. It comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney this week visits United Arab Emirates as he seeks to build trade relationships and entice investment.

Air Canada said the cooperation will facilitate cargo flying between the Americas, the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, and both airlines are exploring a potential joint venture focused on cargo operations to support the movement of commodities globally.

"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," Mark Galardo, Air Canada chief commercial officer and president of cargo, said.

Air Canada said the extended agreement will offer improved priority benefits for eligible passengers, expand access to more airports and deepen coordination between the carriers. That will include a move of operations to Dubai World Central at Al Maktoum International Airport, which it expects after 2032. Since the initial agreement in November 2022, Air Canada relocated its Dubai operation to Dubai International's flagship Terminal 3.

The partnership has expanded since its start to 56 routes that connect Emirates customers to 37 destinations throughout Canada and the U.S., including several new routes added this summer. Air Canada also places its code on 19 routes operated by Emirates to the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Southeast Asia. The partnership additionally provides customers with access to more than 225 destinations worldwide.

Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 19, 2025 06:29 ET (11:29 GMT)

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