Perth, Feb 13: Emirates has strengthened its connectivity into mainland China through a newly signed interline agreement with Loong Air, unlocking smoother access to a wider range of secondary cities for international travellers.
Effective immediately, Emirates customers can connect to 22 destinations across China via Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, all operated by Loong Air. The expanded network spans key regions including East, Northeast, South, Central and Southwest China, adding cities such as Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang and Dazhou to Emirates’ extended reach.
Under the agreement, passengers benefit from the convenience of booking a single-ticket, multi-airline itinerary, alongside a unified baggage policy and consistent fare conditions throughout their journey — a critical improvement for travellers navigating complex domestic connections.
Tickets are available through Emirates’ direct channels, online travel agencies and major global distribution systems used by travel agents. Customers booking via emirates.com can also access familiar digital payment options including WeChat Pay and Alipay, reinforcing the airline’s appeal to Chinese consumers.
Emirates’ China Strategy Gains Momentum
The Loong Air partnership builds on Emirates’ recent network expansion in China. Over the past year, the airline launched new services to Shenzhen and Hangzhou, while enhancing passenger experience by deploying its Premium Economy cabin on both routes. Emirates also reinstated its flagship A380 operations to Shanghai, signalling renewed confidence in demand.
Having operated in mainland China since 2004, Emirates now serves five major gateways — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou — with 49 weekly flights using a combination of Airbus A380s, A350s and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Beyond Loong Air, Emirates maintains established partnerships with Air China, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines, collectively offering access to more than 110 Chinese destinations beyond its own network.
Demand Driven by Mobility and Migration
The agreement arrives at a time of deepening economic and cultural ties between China and the UAE. With a growing Chinese expatriate population, rising tourism flows, and expanding bilateral trade, enhanced air connectivity has become increasingly strategic.
For UAE-based travellers, the partnership simplifies access to China’s fast-growing inland cities. For Chinese passengers, it broadens options for seamless long-haul connections via Dubai to Europe, Africa and the Americas.
In an aviation landscape defined by recovery and recalibration, Emirates’ latest move underscores a clear message: China remains central to the airline’s long-term growth ambitions.
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