Emirates expands reach in China through interline partnership with Loong Air

Emirates and Loong Air have signed an interline agreement, increasing Emirates’ footprint in China and offering the airline’s customers access to additional cities beyond its own gateways.

What This Partnership Means
- Expanded Reach: Emirates customers can now connect to 22 additional Chinese cities via Loong Air through Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
- Seamless Travel: One fare, one baggage policy, and consistent conditions across both airlines make multi-airline itineraries much simpler.
- Key Domestic Hubs Added: Cities like Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang, and Dazhou are now accessible under Emirates’ network.

Emirates in China
- Operating since 2004, Emirates now serves five major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou) with 49 weekly flights.
- Aircraft mix includes the A380, A350, and Boeing 777.
- Recent expansions:
- New routes to Shenzhen and Hangzhou.
- Premium Economy introduced on these routes.
- A380 reintroduced on Shanghai flights.
- Partnerships already exist with Air China, China Southern, and Sichuan Airlines, giving Emirates access to 110+ points in China beyond its own gateways.

About Loong Air
- Founded in 2011, headquartered in Hangzhou.
- Passenger services began in 2013.
- Branches in Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
- First international flight in 2016 (Hangzhou–Hong Kong).
- Other partnerships include Cathay Pacific and Uzbekistan Airways.

Why It Matters
This deal strengthens Emirates’ connectivity for both business and leisure travelers, especially as China’s domestic aviation market is vast and fragmented. By leveraging Loong Air’s regional network, Emirates can offer smoother access to secondary cities without launching its own direct flights.