Emirates SkyCargo and Air Canada Cargo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for greater cooperation on their cargo services. The deal, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, will give the carriers access to each other’s extensive distribution networks.
As part of the agreement, the two carriers will expand their cargo interline options. This will increase cargo capacity and offer an extended network reach, ultimately bringing more benefits to their worldwide freight customers.
Emirates’ senior vice president of cargo, Nabil Sultan, highlighted the benefits of the deal, saying,
“Emirates SkyCargo is committed to being a leading player in the global air cargo industry, providing our customers with the highest standards of products and services. Cooperating with Air Canada Cargo will offer our clients added value through more rapid reach to new destinations in Canada via our Toronto and US gateways.”
Opportunities for both carriers
Under the agreement, Emirates SkyCargo will be able to make use of hold capacity on Air Canada’s passenger aircraft, as well as the carrier’s dedicated fleet of eight Boeing 767-300F freighter aircraft. This will open up an extensive North American network to the Dubai-based carrier, including over 60 destinations in Canada alone.
For Emirates SkyCargo, the deal will mean yet further expansion of its presence in the North American market, which is already significant thanks to a similar interline agreement signed with United Cargo in September 2022.
In return, Air Canada Cargo will have access to cargo capacity on Emirates’ passenger aircraft, flying to 140 destinations worldwide, in addition to Emirates SkyCargo’s dedicated fleet of 11 Boeing 777F aircraft. In November last year, the carrier announced an order for a further five Boeing 777Fs, to be delivered over the next two years.
Air Canada Cargo’s managing commercial director, Matthieu Casey, celebrated the deal, saying,
“We are thrilled to be further strengthening our cargo relationship with Emirates SkyCargo. This agreement enables both carriers to work more closely to optimize our respective freighter and belly capacity throughout each of our extensive and complementing global networks. Customers will benefit from these additional synergies by having access to an even greater array of options, destinations, and streamlined handling when shipping globally.”
In 2013, Emirates SkyCargo moved its hub from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to the state-of-the-art SkyCentral cargo center at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) – also known as Dubai World Central. Today, it is one of the largest cargo airlines in the world, with 50 dedicated freighter destinations globally.
The carrier has just announced that it will be sending over 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Türkiye and Syria, following the devastating earthquake that struck the region earlier this week.
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Building on the carriers’ commercial partnership
This is not the first strategic agreement to be reached between Emirates and Air Canada. Last year, the two airlines announced a commercial partnership that saw them implement a codeshare agreement, covering 46 destinations across North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The partnership also means that members of Air Canada’s Aeroplan and Emirates’ Skywards loyalty programs can now earn and redeem miles on flights operated by both carriers.
What do you think of the deal between Emirates SkyCargo and Air Canada Cargo? Do you see either airline signing agreements with other carriers in the future? Let us know in the comment section.