Air Canada and Emirates have launched a codeshare partnership – effective Dec. 1 – that will allow customers of the carriers to have seamless connectivity to 46 markets spanning three continents, including to destinations across the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

Tickets are available for sale to 35 markets, with 11 more to be added pending final regulatory approval, and the potential for more markets to be included beyond that.

“This exciting new partnership with Emirates will allow Air Canada to meaningfully broaden the choice of flight options (and create easier connections) for our customers…” says Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau. “As well, it will allow us to draw more connecting traffic through our Toronto global hub and expand our presence in dynamic regions where demand for global travel is expected to grow.”

Emirates President Tim Clark says the agreement is win-win for the customers of both airlines, with Emirates passengers able to easily reach more points in Canada and across North America via Toronto, and Air Canada passengers to tap Emirates’ extensive network from its Dubai hub.

Emirates customers will be able to book codeshare flights to and from Canadian points beyond Toronto, including Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver.

Air Canada will place its code on routes operated by Emirates from Dubai, expanding the airline’s reach across the Indian subcontinent, including Colombo, Dhaka, Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, as well as to Southeast Asian destinations including Bangkok, Hanoi, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore; Middle Eastern cities Jeddah and Muscat; and destinations in Africa, namely Addis Ababa and Dar Es Salaam.

The airlines will soon introduce a reciprocal frequent flyer offering, allowing members of Aeroplan and Skywards to earn and redeem points on flights operated by Emirates and Air Canada, respectively.

Eligible passengers will also be able to take advantage of reciprocal lounge access, along with select benefits for Aeroplan Elite and Skywards members when travelling on the partner airline. Further details and launch dates will be announced at a later date.