Business
Emirates and United activate codeshare partnership to enhance connectivity to the US
Emirates customers to have access to more than 150 U.S. cities through Chicago, Houston and San Francisco while enjoying codeshare benefits for flights on United; expanded domestic U.S. network coverage to complement Emirates’ network of 12 points across the U.S, which the airline operates to from its Dubai-based hub
Enhanced customer offering implemented with the issuance of a single ticket, Emirates baggage allowance and baggage transfers through to the final destination Access to dozens more destinations across Canada, Mexico, Caribbean islands and Central and South America based on an interline arrangement
Frequent flyer members of Skywards and MileagePlus® to enjoy rewarding benefits
Emirates and United have activated their codeshare partnership, allowing Emirates customers to enjoy easier access to an expanded choice of U.S. destinations. Starting today, Emirates customers will be able to fly to three of the nation’s biggest business hubs – Chicago, Houston or San Francisco – and connect easily to an expansive network of domestic U.S. points on flights operated by United.
Tickets are available to purchase on emirates.com as well as through trade channels including travel agencies.With the launch of the partnership, Emirates customers heading to the U.S., can now look forward to access to more than 150 U.S. cities in the United network, via the three gateways.
Similarly, Emirates customers in the U.S. planning trips to Dubai and beyond have a myriad of choices and can utilise United’s services to easily connect to Emirates operated flights bound for Dubai, via Chicago, Houston or San Francisco. The world just got bigger for U.S. travelers journeying to Emirates’ extensive network beyond Dubai, including many unique destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
On the flights, passengers can enjoy Emirates’ award-winning services and a host of convenient travel benefits afforded by the agreement. Travellers with itineraries on Emirates’ codeshare flights can plan their entire trip on a single-ticket and take advantage of the airline’s baggage allowance, in addition to convenient bag check-through to the final destination.
Emirates is also enabling its Skywards members to earn and redeem miles on all flights across United’s worldwide network.The partnership unlocks a host of popular destinations accessible from Emirates gateways such as Atlanta, Austin, Denver, Minneapolis and Phoenix. Emirates passengers planning trips to destinations such as Detroit, can fly direct from Dubai to Chicago or Houston, and simply connect on a United flight to the final destination, while enjoying the hassle-free flight benefits. The reciprocal benefits extend to passengers flying out of the U.S. using Emirates services to fly to Dubai, with the same easy access from a vast network of domestic cities and connection at one of the three hubs.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer commented: “We are extremely delighted to activate this historic partnership with United and significantly expand our footprint in the U.S. United’s vast network across the Americas will help us to offer more choice to our customer base from across the globe, and meet demand from across segments including the leisure, VFR, corporate travellers and students who can now connect seamlessly to and from a broader network of more than 150 domestic points.”
Emirates and United have an interline arrangement that allows passengers to easily reach a wider choice of destinations in the Americas outside of the U.S. Emirates customers will be able to choose from dozens more destinations in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, while also enjoying conveniences such as the simplicity of flight itineraries on a single-ticket and smooth connections via the three hubs (Chicago, Houston and San Francisco).
Emirates currently offers services between its hub in Dubai and 12 U.S. cities, as well as five points across Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.
More opportunities, more rewards
Under the agreement, Emirates Skywards members can earn miles on flights while traveling across United Airlines’ international and domestic network.The partnership will also enable MileagePlus members to earn miles on select flights in the Emirates network when travelling from Newark (EWR) to Dubai (DXB) on United Airlines and onwards to select destinations operated by Emirates.
The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai continues to offer its 30 million members worldwide exclusive privileges.
Emirates’ network of 17 points across the Americas includes U.S. destinations Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Emirates also flies to Mexico City (MEX), Toronto (YYZ), Sao Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and Buenos Aires (EZE).
About Emirates
From its global hub in Dubai, Emirates serves customers on six continents, providing high quality air transport services that facilitate tourism and trade. The airline has earned customer recognition for its industry-leading services on the ground and in the sky, delivered by a passionate workforce representing over 160 nations. Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, offering spacious cabins and iconic inflight features such as its A380 Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge, and its ice inflight entertainment system available in all seats across its fleet, which has topped “best in sky” awards for 17 consecutive years. Emirates is committed to environmentally-responsible operations and focusses on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and protecting wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.emirates.com.
Samagi Spice Exports (Pvt) Ltd is set to introduce SPICEUP, a new Sri Lankan beverage brand, at its grand launch on Saturday 17 October 2026 at the University of Ruhuna, Matara.
With a history dating back to 1969, Samagi Spice is taking a new step in its business journey by expanding beyond traditional spice exports into value added consumer products.
Through SPICEUP, the company aims to connect Sri Lanka’s internationally recognized cinnamon heritage with contemporary beverage innovation, creating a distinctive identity in the country’s beverage market.
The SPICEUP range will feature a variety of products, including Original, Cream Soda, Power, GO, Cool, Burn, Memo+ and Zingy. Designed to offer consumers a range of refreshment experiences, the products will be available in two packaging formats: cans and plastic bottles, catering to different consumer preferences and occasions.
At the heart of the initiative is the potential of true Ceylon cinnamon as a value-added ingredient in the beverage industry. Rather than limiting cinnamon to its traditional uses, SPICEUP seeks to explore new opportunities for bringing this iconic Sri Lankan spice into everyday consumer experiences.
The initiative also highlights the broader potential of transforming the country’s agricultural resources into innovative products with commercial value.
The launch ceremony will be attended by legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as the Chief Guest, alongside representatives from the Export Development Board (EDB), Industrial Development Board (IDB), Cinnamon Research Academy and other industry stakeholders.
A major highlight of the occasion will be the official unveiling of the SPICEUP product range, followed by the launch of the brand’s official website. The event will also feature the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Samagi Spice Exports and the University of Ruhuna, marking an important step towards strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.
The proposed collaboration will provide a platform for future research, product innovation and value addition involving true Ceylon cinnamon. By bringing together business expertise and university-based knowledge, the initiative aims to support the development of innovative, value-added products and contribute to Sri Lanka’s potential in international markets.
With its roots in the country’s spice industry and its ambitions in the beverage sector, SPICEUP is poised to begin a new chapter in Samagi Spice’s journey—one that seeks to bring the distinctive identity of Ceylon cinnamon to a new generation of consumers.
Business
Indian business leader urges SL entrepreneurs to tap into India’s rapidly expanding consumer market
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Speaking at the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026, T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), emphasised that local enterprises can unlock substantial economic benefits by strategically aligning with India’s booming consumer base.
Addressing business leaders and policymakers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, Krishnakumar highlighted that geographical proximity and rich cultural ties provide a natural foundation for deeper commercial collaboration.
He noted that instead of viewing bilateral trade narrowly, regional partnerships should act as conduits to build robust, scalable enterprises capable of plugging into wide-reaching regional value chains.
“For Sri Lankan exporters dealing in traditional staples as well as value-added goods, accessing India’s rising middle class presents a phenomenal growth window,” he said.
Drawing insights from Reliance Consumer Products’ rapid expansion – which scaled efficiently to thousands of employees and multi-billion-dollar metrics – Krishnakumar stressed that modern corporate success relies on disciplined execution, localised consumer understanding, and smart technology integration.
Furthermore, he underscored that while rapid growth is critical, businesses must consistently anchor their models in affordability and consumer trust.
Concluding his address at the summit, the RCPL chief noted that pairing regional trade integration with resilient business practices and predictable regulatory frameworks will be vital as Sri Lanka transitions firmly toward accelerated economic development.
Addressing the Summit during a subsequent fireside chat, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored that a core concern currently being targeted by the government is developing a critical mass of local entrepreneurs equipped to engage with international enterprise counterparts.
Business
SriLankan Airlines wins prestigious SATA 2026 Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline
SriLankan Airlines has once again been honoured with the prestigious Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, reaffirming its continued recognition in the regional travel and tourism industry. The airline, which has received this award in previous years, was the only international airline to be recognised in this category at this year’s event. The 10th anniversary edition of the awards ceremony was held earlier this month at Hotel Barcelo Nasandhura in Male, Maldives.
Recognised as one of the key events on the Maldivian tourism and travel industry calendar, SATA celebrated its 10th anniversary on a grand scale, bringing together prominent industry stakeholders, including Government Ministers, distinguished dignitaries, diplomats and senior representatives from leading airlines and their respective head offices.
Commenting on the achievement, Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial, SriLankan Airlines, stated, “We are honoured to receive this recognition at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026. Being named the Leading International Airline in the Visitors’ Choice Awards once again is a meaningful acknowledgement of our commitment to serving our passengers and strengthening our presence in the region. This award inspires us to continue enhancing the travel experience we offer and to build stronger connections with the markets and communities we serve.”
Complementing its commitment to service excellence, SriLankan Airlines offers an extensive flight network with convenient connections to destinations across the globe. In South Asia, the airline operates nearly 130 flights each week to 15 destinations across India, Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh. With schedules thoughtfully designed to suit the needs of travellers, SriLankan Airlines provides seamless connectivity for those visiting Colombo for business or leisure, as well as passengers travelling onwards to destinations worldwide.
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