Emirates, flydubai to partner on codeshare, schedule alignment, network optimisation

Emirates Air and flydubai have signed a partnership agreement on expensive codeshare, schedule alignment and network optimization, which would see the two Dubai-based airlines join forces to offer customers unmatched travel options, according to a statement seen by businessamlive.

The partnership will be rolled out over the coming months, with the first enhanced code-sharing arrangements starting in the last quarter of 2017.

It would seek to optimise the networks and schedules of both airlines, to open up new city-pair connections offering consumers greater choice. Additionally, it will help both airlines feed more traffic into each other’s complementary networks. By 2022, the combined network of Emirates and flydubai is expected to reach 240 destinations, served by a combined fleet of 380 aircraft.

Passenger benefits include access to over 200 unique destinations, seamless travel experience, and frequent flyer programmes alignment. Both airlines will continue to be managed independently but will leverage each other’s network to scale up their operations and accelerate growth.

“The innovative partnership goes beyond code-sharing and includes integrated network collaboration with coordinated scheduling. The new model will give flydubai customers seamless connectivity to Emirates’ worldwide destinations spanning six continents. For Emirates’ customers, it opens up flydubai’s robust regional network,” the statement reads.

The two airlines will also further develop their hub at Dubai International, aligning their systems and operations to ensure a seamless travel experience through the ultra-modern airport; currently the world’s busiest for international passengers.

Fully owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), both Emirates and flydubai are operated independently and under separate management teams.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of flydubai, said: “This is an exciting and significant development for Emirates, flydubai, and Dubai aviation. Both airlines have grown independently and successfully over the years, and this new partnership will unlock the immense value that the complementary models of both companies can bring to consumers, each airline, and to Dubai.”

Currently, Emirates has a widebody fleet of 259 aircraft, flying to 157 destinations (including 16 cargo-only points), while flydubai operates 58 new-generation Boeing 737 aircraft to 95 destinations. The combined network of both airlines would be 216 unique destination points.

The Emirates and flydubai teams are said to be working together on a number of initiatives spanning commercial, network planning, airport operations, customer journey, and frequent flyer programmes alignment.