Emirates SkyCargo and Air Canada Cargo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide additional benefits to air cargo customers worldwide. The agreement builds on the strategic commercial partnership announced by both airlines in 2022. Nabil Sultan, Senior Vice President of Emirates Cargo Division, and Matty Casey, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Canada Cargo, signed the MoU at Emirates’ headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The MoU outlines several initiatives, including expanded interline cargo options and block space agreements, designed to provide more capacity on an integrated global network for both airlines’ cargo customers. The enhancements are subject to regulatory approvals. SkyCargo will have access to over 60 Canadian destinations and more than 150 cities through Air Canada Cargo’s network. In turn, Air Canada Cargo can access Emirates SkyCargo’s high-frequency distribution network through scheduled passenger air operations to more than 140 international destinations.
“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 added value to our customers through faster reach to new destinations in Canada through our Toronto and U.S. gateways,” said Naid Nabil Sultan, Senior Vice President, Emirates Cargo Division.
“This agreement allows both carriers to work more closely together to optimize our respective freighter and vessel capabilities on each of our extensive and complementary global networks. Customers will benefit from these additional synergies by having access to an even greater range of options, destinations and simplified handling when shipping globally,” said Matthieu Casey, Air Canada Cargo’s chief commercial officer.
The Canadian cargo airline will use Air Canada’s passenger flights’ hold capacity and a fleet of Boeing 767Fs, while Emirates SkyCargo will provide additional capacity with 11 Boeing 777Fs from its fleet. Both airlines specialize in handling special cargo, including oil and gas drilling rigs, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals.
Emirates and Air Canada also recently introduced a passenger codeshare agreement covering 46 destinations and launched a loyalty program partnership.