Starting April 20, Emirates, a UAE-based airline, will increase the frequency of its services to Canada by adding two more flights per week between Dubai and Toronto. This move comes after an expanded air transport agreement between the UAE and Canada. As a result, Emirates will now operate a daily flight on this route using its flagship A380 aircraft, which has a total capacity of 491 passengers across its economy, business class, and first class cabins. This additional capacity will offer almost 2,000 more seats on the Dubai-Toronto route, resulting in a 40% increase in capacity between the two cities.
According to Emirates, the Dubai-Toronto route is already popular among customers from India, UAE, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka. These same countries also represent top destinations for travelers from Toronto.
Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, stated that the airline has been serving customers between Toronto and Dubai since 2007. However, the demand from leisure and corporate travelers, diaspora, and students has consistently exceeded the allocated capacity, even though the double-decker A380 aircraft has been operating on the route since 2009. Emirates is also looking forward to playing a role in facilitating more tourism and trade opportunities between the two nations, in partnership with the relevant authorities, and Air Canada, their codeshare and loyalty program partner.
Emirates and Air Canada recently expanded their partnership to offer joint loyalty program benefits to frequent flyer members. Emirates Skywards members can now earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by Air Canada, while Air Canada’s Aeroplan members can earn and redeem points on all flights operated by Emirates. In addition, Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members traveling in economy class with Air Canada or Emirates will also enjoy complimentary access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Café in Toronto Pearson along with one guest.