Emirates And Icelandair Sign MoU For Codeshare Partnership

Emirates and Icelandair are consolidating their relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will likely lead to a codeshare partnership. Both airlines would benefit from each other’s networks and are looking to offer convenient connections to their passengers from this association.

MoU signed

At the ITB Travel Trade Show in Berlin, Emirates and Icelandair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into a strategic codeshare partnership. Both carriers have the potential to offer each other a wider reach than what their individual networks allow and a future codeshare partnership will ensure their customers have more choices in terms of flight connections. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, commented,

“We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Icelandair. Their network complements our European presence, providing an array of connections for our customers to diversify their journeys. Together, we will open up new travel opportunities, and more choice for customers. We believe that this partnership will bring real benefits to our customers and business, and we’re taking positive steps towards further strengthening our relationship for the future.”

Network synergy

While Emirates has an interline deal with Icelandair, a future reciprocal codeshare agreement will benefit the two carriers further. Currently, there are no non-stop flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Keflavik International Airport (KEF), but both airlines could utilize other gateways in Europe for codeshare flights.

Photo: Petr Bonek | Shutterstock

As one of the three big carriers in the Middle East, Emirates has a massive global reach, expanding from the Indian subcontinent and the greater Southeast Asia and Asia region to Europe, North America, and as far as Australia and South America.

Icelandair also enjoys transcontinental flights to the US and Canada, serving destinations such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Vancouver, and Baltimore, among others. The carrier also operates an extensive network in Europe and Greenland, covering destinations such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Tenerife, Salzburg, Verona, Kulusuk, and Nuuk, among others.

Other partnerships

Both airlines enjoy partnership agreements with several other carriers. Emirates is set to become Icelandair’s 7th global airline partner, with Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair president and CEO, saying that they will continue to expand their network of partner airlines, focusing on working with airlines that offer great service and connectivity.

Photo: Robert Buchel | Shutterstock

Emirates is no stranger to codeshare deals, either. It recently signed an agreement with ITA Airways to expand its existing deal to a full codeshare partnership. It was the 30th such deal for the Middle Eastern airline and the 35th for ITA.

In 2022, Emirates signed a codeshare deal with Air Canada, allowing customers of both airlines to access 46 destinations across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Last year the partnership was expanded to include Emirates’ flights to and from Montréal as well.

The airline also expanded its deal with United Airlines in 2023 to increase connectivity in Mexico to include popular travel destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Monterrey, among others.

Related

Why Emirates Had To Partner With United Airlines In Mexico

Emirates customers will be able to book flights to nine Mexican destinations via Chicago and Houston.

What are your views on this? Please leave a comment below.