Emirates SkyCargo and Air Canada Cargo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them work closely on a number of initiatives.

The companies will expand cargo interline options and block space agreements, pending any required regulatory approvals. These enhancements aim to offer freight customers of both airlines access to more capacity on a larger combined global network.

The MoU also builds on the airlines’ strategic commercial partnership, which was announced last year.

SkyCargo will have access to over 60 cities in Canada and more than 150 cities across five continents through Air Canada Cargo, thanks to a fleet of Boeing 767 freighters and including in the belly-hold capacity of Air Canada’s scheduled passenger flights. In return, Air Canada Cargo will have access to Emirates SkyCargo’s distribution network through the belly-hold of Emirates scheduled passenger flights to over 140 global destinations, as well as the additional capacity offered by 11 freighters currently in the Emirates fleet.

“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,” said Emirates’ divisional senior vice president, cargo Nabil Sultan. “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.”

Air Canada Cargo’s managing director, commercial Matthieu Casey commented: “We are thrilled to be further strengthening our cargo relationship with Emirates SkyCargo. This agreement enables both carriers to work more closely to optimise 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.”

Since announcing their strategic partnership in 2022, Emirates and Air Canada said they had implemented a passenger codeshare agreement that spans 46 destinations across North America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. They have also launched a loyalty programme partnership to allow Skywards and Aeroplan members to earn and redeem miles and points on all flights operated by Emirates and Air Canada, respectively.