The passenger transfers at Dubai airport and service differentiation will not be an issue, said Dubai-based airline Emirates as it entered into a code share agreement with SpiceJet on Monday.
Emirates is the largest foreign airline operating to India and its home base, Dubai, is the largest overseas hub for Indian travellers.
Emirates and SpiceJet signed a memorandum of understanding for code shares which will allow passengers from India more travel options.
At present, Emirates operates from Terminal 3 while Spice Jet works from Terminal 1 in Dubai. Also, Emirates is a full service airline with first class and business cabins and full fledged loyalty programme while SpiceJet offers no frills and charges passengers for meals.
An Emirates spokesperson, however, said these issues will not impact passengers.
“There will be no change to the current transfer process between terminals at Dubai international airport. Passengers are transported via an inter terminal shuttle bus which operates between terminals every 20 minutes,” Emirates said in a statement.
“It is not uncommon in codeshare partnerships to have mixed cabin itineraries and customers are not averse with this as a seamless connectivity and quicker overall journey takes priority. The codeshare partnership will enable Spicejet customers to experience Emirates’ renowned product and service,” the airline added.
Emirates said SpiceJet passengers travelling from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Pune, Mangalore, Madurai, Kozhikode and 41 other domestic destinations that the airline operates to, will be able to access Emirates’ expansive network across the globe.
“This new partnership should immensely benefit passengers travelling on both airlines,” said SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh.
“While SpiceJet passengers from across India will be able to enjoy seamless connectivity leveraging Emirates vast network across Europe, Africa, America and the Middle East those travelling to India on Emirates will be able to travel to 51 destinations across our domestic network,” he added.
The two airlines plan to code share on the India-Dubai route too upon receipt of government approvals.
