Air Canada and flydubai have unveiled a codeshare partnership to enhance connectivity between Canada and the Middle East, East Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Southern Asia.
On Wednesday (May 17, 2023), Air Canada announced the launch of a new codeshare partnership with flydubai that will enhance connectivity between Canada, the Middle East, East Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Southern Asia. Pending regulatory approval, Air Canada’s marketing code will be placed on nine routes operated by flydubai via Dubai, giving customers the ability to travel to these markets on a single ticket. The routes include the Middle East destinations of Medina, Dammam, Bahrain, Jeddah and Muscat, as well as service to Colombo and Karachi on the Indian Subcontinent. Additionally, through an interline agreement, travelers will be able to seamlessly connect to over 60 destinations in flydubai’s network, including destinations such as Kathmandu, Djibouti and the Maldives. The airlines also plan on improving the connection process in Dubai, and are working to expand features and benefits for loyalty program members, which will be announced later this year.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Air Canada’s EVP – Revenue and Network Planning, Mark Galardo, said,
“Air Canada is very pleased to partner with flydubai, further expanding our connectivity to the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, a growing source of immigration and travel to Canada. This new partnership is a perfect complement to Air Canada's non-stop service to Dubai from Toronto and Vancouver, and growing our relationship with Emirates, flydubai's codeshare partner. Together we look forward to bringing together our networks and building a better experience for our customers.”
Also commenting on the new commercial cooperation, flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer, Hamad Obaidalla, said,
“We are very pleased to be adding Air Canada to our list of partners and to offer their passengers a seamless travel experience on the flydubai network. We look forward to growing this partnership that offers passengers the benefits and the convenience of connecting via the Dubai aviation hub and we look forward to welcoming them on board soon.”
Since commencing operations in 2009, flydubai has grown their network to over 110 destinations across 50 countries in Africa, Central Asia, the Caucuses, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent. The carrier has opened more than 70 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE carrier. flydubai operates a single fleet type of 75 Boeing 737NG and 737 MAX Family airplanes.
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline. The Canadian flag carrier is a founding member of the Star Alliance and the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service to 180 airports in Canada, the United States, and internationally on six continents. Through the carrier’s Aeroplan loyalty program, customers can earn and redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines. Air Canada Cargo offers air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents with a dedicated fleet of 767-300 Freighters and passenger aircraft belly hold capacity. Additionally, the airline has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
Source(s): Air Canada/CNW, flydubai