Emirates is expanding its presence in Canada with the launch of a new daily service between Dubai and Montreal, starting from July 5.
The announcement comes just weeks after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada signed an expanded air services agreement that would allow airlines from either country greater access to each others air markets.
Prior to the deal, the air services agreement limited the UAE to just 14 flights per week to Canada, shared out amongst airlines.
The deal worked the same for Canadian airlines, but on a realistic level, it benefited Canadian airlines more than it harmed them.
The latest deal sees the cap raised to 21 flights per week and Emirates has already announced it will add additional services to Toronto after previously being restricted to just a five times per week service.
There’s been much speculation over where Emirates might choose to expand in Canada and on Monday the airline confirmed it had chosen Montreal.
“Emirates is excited to launch our second gateway into Canada as we expand our reach in the country with direct services from our hub in Dubai,” commented Adnan Kazim, the airline’s chief commercial officer.
“We would like to thank the UAE and Canadian authorities for the enhanced agreements which have made this new destination possible. With our expanded reach into the country, we look forward to facilitating new trade lanes, which will bring a host of benefits to Canadian businesses and exporters,” Kazim continued.
Emirates will operate its Boeing 777-300 aircraft on the new route, while Toronto will continue to be served by the flagship Airbus A380.
The airline says flight timings have been set up to facilitate easy onward connections from Dubai to popular vacation spots like Thailand.
As well as passenger traffic, the airline has been keen to point out the extra cargo capacity that this service will add between the UAE and Canada.
