Tourexpi
Emirates and Air China Sign MoU to Explore Deeper Strategic Partnership
The
agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the 81st IATA Annual General
Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi, with Emirates’
Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim and Air China’s
Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Yan Fei representing their
respective airlines.
The
MoU outlines plans to explore reciprocal codesharing on selected routes between
China and the UAE, as well as beyond Beijing and Dubai. The proposed codeshare
would offer greater connectivity and flexibility for passengers, subject to
regulatory approvals.
In
addition to passenger operations, the two carriers will explore collaboration
across cargo services and their respective frequent flyer programmes. Plans
include coordination of flight schedules and minimum connecting times to
improve convenience for travellers, enabling seamless booking, single ticket
itineraries, and expanded lounge access.
The
airlines also aim to share best practices in revenue management,
digitalisation, brand strategy, data analytics, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(SAF), fostering deeper operational alignment through joint initiatives and
knowledge exchange.
This
agreement builds on a longstanding relationship that began in 1999 and has
since supported the travel of thousands of passengers between China and the
UAE. Emirates has recently announced new routes to Shenzhen and Hangzhou, and
by 30 July 2025 will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland,
including services to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and
Hangzhou—reinforcing the carrier’s commitment to China and its alignment with
the Belt and Road Initiative.
Image
Credit: © Emirates Airlines
The most interesting news
Four Seasons Yachts Unveils Marina Day Experience, Redefining Luxury at Sea
Innovative design, Riviera-inspired elegance, and bespoke sea-level adventures set to debut aboard Four Seasons I in 2026
Thailand Launches ‘Sawasdee Nihao’ Initiative to Celebrate 50 Years of Thai–Chinese Relations
High-profile campaign marks diplomatic milestone and repositions Thailand as a premium, sustainable destination for Chinese travellers
TUI River Cruises Launches New Serbian and Croatian Danube Itineraries for Winter 2026
Expanded winter sailings include festive routes, new ports of call, and enhanced flight options across Europe and Egypt
Spain Hosts 123rd Meeting of UN Tourism Executive Council to Nominate New Secretary-General
High-level gathering in La Granja (Segovia) highlights Spain’s leadership in sustainable tourism and UN Tourism’s 50th anniversary
Delta Launches New Nonstop Service from Boston to Barcelona
Enhanced transatlantic access brings travelers closer to the heart of Catalonia
Eurowings Introduces Premium Business Seats on Medium-Haul Routes
New ‘Premium BIZ Seat’ elevates comfort aboard the A320neo – debut on Berlin–Dubai route in late 2025
IHG and GI Capital Management Break Ground on New Regent Kyoto
IHG Hotels & Resorts and GI Capital Management have officially broken ground on the upcoming Regent Kyoto, a luxury hotel set to open in 2028.
Hyatt Expands Inclusive Collection in Bulgaria with Opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach, a new adults-only resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
Cunard Unveils 195 New Voyages to 115 Global Destinations for 2027–2028
Cunard has announced an expansive new voyage program featuring 195 sailings across its iconic fleet.
EVA Air Joins IATA's Turbulence Aware Platform to Enhance Flight Safety
EVA Air has officially joined the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Turbulence Aware platform, further strengthening its commitment to flight safety and operational efficiency.
German Air Travel Lags Behind – Still 10% Below Pre-COVID Levels
Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg Among Worst-Performing Airports.
TAT and Grab Launch Nationwide Tourism Campaign to Reignite Travel Across Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Grab Thailand have launched a dynamic new campaign, “Tiew Tua Thai Suk Kan Yai Wai Jai Grab” – Explore Thailand, Enjoy More, Trust Grab, aimed at inspiring domestic and international travel throughout
Central Holidays Unveils New Travel Programs to Türkiye
Central Holidays has launched a new line of immersive travel programs to Türkiye for 2025, offering expertly curated itineraries designed for all traveler types—from history enthusiasts to adventure seekers.
IHG Accelerates Expansion in Vietnam with voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a new milestone in its Vietnam growth strategy with the signing of voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – By IHG, a 250-key seafront property scheduled to open by the end of 2025.
Lufthansa Introduces Free Messaging on All Long-Haul Flights
As of today, Lufthansa passengers can enjoy unlimited free messaging on all long-haul flights.
Ryanair Urges EU to Act as Over 34,000 Flights Suffer 5,000 Hours of Delays Due to ATC Failures
Ryanair, Europe’s leading airline, has issued an urgent call to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU governments to immediately address the chronic underperformance of European air traffic control (ATC) services, following mas
Marella Cruises Launches Second Edition of ‘Make it on Marella’ Trade Incentive
Following a successful debut year, Marella Cruises is bringing back its trade-wide incentive ‘Make it on Marella’ for a second time, giving 25 lucky travel agents the chance to win a spot on board Marella Discovery for a Caribbean sailing in Marc
TAT and Partners Launch Thailand’s First Grand Aquarium Yoga Experience at Sea Life Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with key lifestyle and wellness brands, has unveiled Grand Aquarium Yoga – Thailand’s first-ever underwater yoga experience, set against the stunning backdrop of Sea Life Bangkok Ocean Wor
Destination by Hyatt Debuts in Greece with Opening of Zélia Halkidiki
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the grand opening of Zélia Halkidiki, an adults-only luxury retreat and the first Destination by Hyatt branded property in Greece.
Spain Forecasts Over 12.2 Million International Airline Seats for June, Up 4.7% Year-on-Year
Spain is set to welcome more than 12.2 million international airline seats in June 2025, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by Turespaña. In June 2024, the seat count stood at 11.7 million.
IATA Forecasts $36 Billion in Airline Profits for 2025 Amid Global Uncertainties
Global airline profits are expected to rise by 11.1% in 2025, reaching $36 billion despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, volatile oil prices, and macroeconomic uncertainty, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
