flydubai has formally requested the US Department of Transportation for a codeshare agreement with United Airlines. The proposed codeshare would initially cover 20 routes across the Middle East from flydubai's hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB), including Amman (AMM), Dammam (DMM), Medina (MED), and Muscat (MCT).
This puts flydubai's growing network within easy reach of United Airlines' passengers. The low-cost carrier has expanded significantly in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks and now flies to 16 destinations in the country, the majority of which will form part of the codeshare.
According to the latest data from ch-aviation.com, flydubai currently operates a fleet of 80 Boeing 737s, made up of 34 Boeing 737-800s, 43 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and three Boeing 737 MAX 9s. The carrier is awaiting delivery of a further 140 Boeing 737 MAXs.
Unusually for a low-cost carrier, flydubai offers a business class service, with a 42-inch seat pitch and complimentary food and drinks. Each of the airline's aircraft features between 10 and 16 business class seats, depending on the configuration. flydubai also has its own business class lounge at Dubai International Airport. As a result, passengers connecting to or from United Airlines' Polaris business class will also benefit from a premium experience on the flydubai-operated leg of their journey.
United Airlines' long-awaited return to Dubai
United Airlines will begin flying from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) on March 27th, marking the airline's first appearance in the United Arab Emirates since 2016. The daily service will be flown by the carrier's Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, with the following schedule:
Flight number |
Route |
Departure |
Arrival |
Block time |
UA164 |
EWR-DXB |
22:15 |
19:40 (+1 day) |
13 hrs 25 mins |
UA163 |
DXB-EWR |
02:15 |
09:05 |
14 hrs 50 mins |
The news of flydubai's request comes six months after its partner airline, Emirates, announced its codeshare agreement with United Airlines, offering passengers a wide range of connection opportunities at both ends.
United Airlines will provide seamless connections to and from many of its North American destinations, including Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), and Houston (IAH), while Emirates will do the same with its extensive network across the Middle East, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
What is a codeshare agreement?
Under a codeshare agreement, airlines can sell tickets on flights operated by another carrier, with journeys potentially connecting onto their own network as well. This opens up a wide range of connection possibilities.
From a passenger's perspective, baggage can be transferred to the final destination, and connections are also protected in the event of delays or cancelations. A codeshare agreement often extends to any frequent flyer programs too, allowing members to earn and redeem points on flights operated by both airlines.
The benefits of codesharing are similar to those provided by airline alliances, but the two airlines do not necessarily need to be in an alliance in order to codeshare. For example, in October last year, oneworld member Qatar Airways unveiled its codeshare agreement with US low-cost carrier JetBlue.
Read more about flydubai's unique relationship with Emirates here.
What do you think of flydubai's proposed codeshare agreement with United Airlines? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
Source: FlightGlobal, ch-aviation.com