Now you can earn Emirates Skywards miles and tier status on Flydubai

IN BRIEF | Emirates is extending its Skywards frequent flyer program to regional partner Flydubai, which will in turn ditch its own Open loyalty scheme for Skywards.

The move will let Skywards members earn reward miles and tier miles when travelling on Flydubai, along with spending those miles to book a Flydubai seat – either on their own or partnered with a cash component.

Skywards miles can also be used to pay for Flydubai's 'optional extras' such as pre-ordered meals and extra legroom seats.

Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members will also see benefits regardless of their class of travel, such as a more generous baggage allowances and priority check-in at Flydubai's business class counters.

"The strategic move will bring even more benefits to our members giving them opportunities to earn and spend Miles on an extended global route network, as well as select privileges on both airlines,” said Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Senior Vice President for Emirates Skywards.

Flydubai offers lie-flat business class seats on its new Boeing 737 MAX jets, with ten seats ranked in two rows of a 2-2 layout and, between those, a row of solo 'throne'-style seats.

Based on Thompson Aero's popular Vantage seat and styled by JPA Design – whose most recent work was on Singapore Airlines' new Airbus A380 business class – the clean lines and efficient use of space brings a premium touch to the otherwise low-cost state-owned airline.