Emirates and Air China Sign MoU to Explore Deeper Strategic Partnership

International

Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and expand their existing reciprocal interline partnership, laying the groundwork for a broader strategic collaboration across passenger and cargo services.

The agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi, with Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim and Air China’s Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Yan Fei representing their respective airlines.

The MoU outlines plans to explore reciprocal codesharing on selected routes between China and the UAE, as well as beyond Beijing and Dubai. The proposed codeshare would offer greater connectivity and flexibility for passengers, subject to regulatory approvals.

In addition to passenger operations, the two carriers will explore collaboration across cargo services and their respective frequent flyer programmes. Plans include coordination of flight schedules and minimum connecting times to improve convenience for travellers, enabling seamless booking, single ticket itineraries, and expanded lounge access.

The airlines also aim to share best practices in revenue management, digitalisation, brand strategy, data analytics, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), fostering deeper operational alignment through joint initiatives and knowledge exchange.

This agreement builds on a longstanding relationship that began in 1999 and has since supported the travel of thousands of passengers between China and the UAE. Emirates has recently announced new routes to Shenzhen and Hangzhou, and by 30 July 2025 will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, including services to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou—reinforcing the carrier’s commitment to China and its alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative.