A codeshare agreement between SpiceJet and the leading global airline Emirates is set to open new routes and destinations for Indians across the US, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Those travelling to India on Emirates can have a seamless connect to SpiceJet's domestic network of 51 destinations.

An MoU to enter into the reciprocal codeshare agreement has been signed by SpiceJet chairman and managing director Ajay Singh and Emirates divisional senior vice-president Adnan Kazim, who oversees the airline's strategic planning, revenue optimisation and aeropolitical affairs.

SpiceJet passengers travelling from India will have more choice to travel seamlessly with minimum connection times when flying to destinations on Emirates' Europe network such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Manchester and Amsterdam.

SpiceJet passengers travelling from India will have more choice to travel seamlessly with minimum connection times when flying to destinations on Emirates' Europe network such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Manchester and Amsterdam

"Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare agreement will also open up flights for Indian travellers to North and South American destinations such as New York, Washington, Toronto, and Sao Paulo as well as Middle Eastern destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait and Amman, operated by Emirates," Spicejet informed in a statement.

Optimized scheduling will allow for minimal transit times between India and these global destinations and travellers on these codeshare routes will be able to book connecting flights using a single reservation.

"I am delighted to announce that as part of SpiceJet's international expansion strategy, we have signed a MoU for a codeshare agreement with Emirates. This new partnership should immensely benefit passengers travelling on both airlines. 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," Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said.

Optimized scheduling will allow for minimal transit times between India and these global destinations and travellers on these codeshare routes will be able to book connecting flights using a single reservation.

Optimized scheduling will allow for minimal transit times between India and these global destinations and travellers on these codeshare routes will be able to book connecting flights using a single reservation.

"Our journey in India has been defined by progressive investment, partnership and growth. We constantly try to improve and provide our customers with greater flexibility and travel choices. This partnership with SpiceJet and the mutual expansion of our network will go a long way in further enhancing the travel experience of our customers in India as well as those heading into India, benefiting travellers and businesses alike," Emirates' Adnan Kazim said.

This partnership will bolster Emirates' already-extensive network adding a total of 67 weekly connections between Emirates' hub in Dubai to these growing destinations in India. This includes increased domestic connectivity from Emirates' nine Indian gateways to points such as Goa, Hubli, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam and Tuticorin which would allow for a greater variety of travel options between both Emirates and SpiceJet flights.

In October 1985, Emirates launched flights from its Dubai hub to Delhi and Mumbai which formed the base of its initial route network. Since then, Emirates has grown its India operations to serve a total of 9 destinations across India - Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram – with over 170 weekly flights.

Globally the airline flies to 159 destinations in 86 countries and territories.

SpiceJet operates 516 average daily flights to 60 destinations, including 51 domestic and 9 international ones. The airline has a fleet of 48 Boeing 737, 27 Bombardier Q-400s and two B737 freighters. The majority of the airline's fleet offers SpiceMax, the most spacious economy class seating in India.