United and Emirates form historic commercial partnership

United Airlines and Emirates have formed a historic partnership, marking a big step towards establishing a cordial relationship between the big three US airlines and the big three Gulf carriers.

The new agreement intends to enhance connectivity across the United States and the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Starting from March 2023, United will launch a new direct flight between New York/Newark and Dubai, giving more options for United customers to reach destinations in the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai.

Beginning November 2022, Emirates customers flying to Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston will have access to nearly 200 US cities in the United network.

“This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties.”

In 2015, the US’s largest airlines launched a campaign to limit the growth of Gulf carriers in the US market, saying that Gulf carriers were taking the US travel market with the financial backing of their respective governments.