Emirates and Flydubai unveiled a partnership which will see the two Dubai-based airlines join forces to offer customers unmatched travel options. Both airlines will continue to be managed independently, but will leverage each other’s network to scale up operations and accelerate growth.

The partnership goes beyond code-sharing and includes integrated network collaboration with coordinated scheduling. The new model will give Flydubai customers seamless connectivity to Emirates’ worldwide destinations spanning six continents. For Emirates’ customers, it opens up Flydubai’s robust regional network.

The two airlines will also further develop their hub at Dubai International, aligning their systems and operations to ensure a seamless travel experience through the ultra-modern airport, currently the world’s busiest for international passengers.

Emirates has a wide-body fleet of 259 aircraft, flying to 157 destinations (including 16 cargo-only points). Flydubai operates 58 new-generation Boeing 737 aircraft to 95 destinations. The current combined network comprises 216 unique destination points.

The partnership will be rolled out over the coming months, with the first enhanced code-sharing arrangements starting in the last quarter of 2017.