This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

  • N14106 United Airlines (Her Art Here-California Livery) Boeing 757-224 (1)
    United Airlines
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    UA/UAL
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Guam International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1931
    Alliance:
    Star Alliance
    CEO:
    Scott Kirby
    Country:
    United States
  • Emirates, Airbus A380, Penultimate
    Emirates
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    EK/UAE
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Dubai International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1985
    CEO:
    Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
    Country:
    United Arab Emirates

United Airlines and Emirates have just announced a new partnership, which will see interlining activities as well as a codeshare agreement being developed for the two airlines. This is monumental as American Airlines has formed a partnership with Gulf carrier Qatar Airways, and now United will have one of its own, strengthening its connections around the world.

United and Emirates teaming up

The announcement took place at an event happening at the United Airlines hangar at the Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Emirates President, Sir Tim Clark, and United CEO, Scott Kirby were both at the event, explaining the scope and limitations of the partnership to assembled media. Sir Tim commented,

"Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It's a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer."

United airlines and emirates partnership annoucement
THe event showcased two aircraft from the carriers. Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying

Scott Kirby stated,

"This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies. 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. This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together."

A few weeks ago, United and Emirates began to stir up some noise throughout the aviation world, with United jumping on Twitter and asking if Emirates wanted to "hang-ar" out on September 14. News began to circulate that the two airlines would be announcing a codeshare agreement, with some even thinking that Emirates may be joining the Star Alliance. A photo later surfaced of an invitation that United sent out to an event taking place at the Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) on September 14.

United set to launch a new route to connect with its partner

To further leverage its strength in its new partnership with Emirates, United is planning to launch a new route connecting Newark with Dubai. The route will launch on March 27th, 2023, and will see a daily nonstop between the two airports. The details of the flights are:

  • UA164: Will depart Newark at 22:15, arriving in Dubai at 19:40 the next day
  • UA163: Will depart Dubai at 02:15, arriving in Newark at 09:05
United Airlines B777-200ER taking off at Newark
 Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

The flight will be a long one, blocked at 13 hours and 25 minutes going east and 14 hours and 50 minutes going west. United will use its Boeing 777-200ER on the route and will be the first time the carrier has made an appearance in Dubai since 2016. The new service will allow travelers on both the airline's networks to connect onto further services, creating a truly globetrotting network.

Sir Tim noted,

"We welcome United's return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai. We look forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term."

Kirby indicated that the new partnership would enable travelers to connect to many destinations in India and Africa that the airline doesn't currently serve. However, the airlines noted that all elements of the partnership are subject to regulatory approval.

What do you think about United and Emirates' new partnership? Let us know in the comments!