On February 10th, Dubai-based Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives. With the signing of this MoU, the two airlines will agree to explore possible partnership options. While this is preliminary or interim news, it has the potential to open up codeshare, interline, and/or joint holiday package opportunities.

"Maldives is one of the most popular leisure destinations in Emirates' network and we are very pleased to be exploring a partnership with the nation's local carrier. A codeshare and interline agreement will immensely benefit both carriers."

-Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Chief Commercial Officer

Taking Emirates passengers where Emirates' aircraft can't

It's difficult, if not impossible, getting a Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 to many destinations around the world. If it's not due to technical limitations, it might simply be economically unviable to operate these large jets to small airports. This is why Emirates depends on a long list of codeshare and interline agreements to take passengers to less-frequented corners of the world- places where it wouldn't make sense for its own fleet of big jets to visit.

So while Emirates can and does fly its big jets to Male Velana International Airport in the Maldives, there are many more small-island leisure destinations across the archipelagic country. While popular as leisure destinations, many of these small locales are only accessible by smaller aircraft, such as Maldivian's Dash 8 regional turboprops.

With this in mind, an official statement notes that the two carriers are reviewing a codeshare agreement that will provide Emirates' customers the ability to book and connect from Male' to more than 15 domestic destinations and the international destinations served by Maldivian. Meanwhile, an agreement would potentially offer Maldivian travelers easier access to Emirates' extensive network of more than 120 destinations via its hub at Dubai International Airport.

Emirates-Boeing-777-31H(ER)-A6-EQN-1
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

More than just a codeshare or interline agreement

It's not just a partnership on flights that is being explored. Emirates and Maldivian will also look to explore opportunities related to their respective tour operating divisions and subsidiaries. This, Emirates says, will "offer customers tailor-made packages including hotel stays at world class resorts and exclusive tours."

Indeed, while Emirates may be able to offer citizens and residents of the Maldives easier access to the rest of the world, it appears that the main goal is to bring the world to the Maldives. The country's tourism and leisure offerings make it a popular destination for Emirates.

Flying to the archipelago since 1987, Emirates currently serves the island-nation with an impressive 28 weekly flights. The carrier boasts a "vital role" in supporting the trade and tourism activities of the Maldives.

"The airline was recently crowned as top carrier in the Maldives, connecting 265,000 passengers to the island-nation from top markets including, UAE, UK, US, Russia, and Germany."

-Emirates

Maldivian Airbus A320
The Maldivian fleet consists of just two narrowbody jets and several turboprops. Photo: Laurent Errera via Wikimedia Commons

Traveling on one itinerary

At present, Emirates airline travelers flying to smaller destinations in the Maldives would have to book a long-haul flight via Dubai with Malé as the final destination in the itinerary. They would then need a separate booking with Maldivian to get to those small-island airports. A codeshare or interline agreement between the two carriers would greatly benefit travelers planning a holiday to this corner of the world.

At present, Emirates has standing codeshare agreements with 23 airline partners and two rail companies. The airline also has interline agreements with over 115 airlines and rail companies.

Have you flown to the Maldives with Emirates? Or have you flown with Maldivian? Share your experience by leaving a comment.