One of the world’s most successful and fastest growing international airlines began service at Toronto Pearson on October 29th, 2007. Emirates has selected the Toronto to Dubai route as their first gateway in Canada. “Responding to market demand, the new route will provide a first direct link between Canada’s largest city and Dubai, providing also convenient, ongoing access to the Middle East, Africa and the South Asian Subcontinent,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

The Toronto-Dubai nonstop services take just longer than 13 hours and the return flight is 14 hours and 20 minutes. With comfort being a top priority on the long-haul journey, the aircraft is fitted with eight luxurious private suites in First class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business class, and a comfortable Economy-class cabin for 304 passengers.

“The GTAA and the airport community are pleased to welcome the first Emirates flight,” said Steve Shaw, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the GTAA. “The airline has made a significant investment to expand services in North America and we are pleased that Emirates understands the value of flying into Toronto.”

Emirates’ nonstop service between Toronto and Dubai operates three times a week. The same aircraft also transports cargo between the two cities, with 12 tonnes of capacity from Toronto to Dubai and six tonnes from Dubai to Toronto. The economic impact of this three times weekly service is estimated at an excess of $33 million in business revenues, 233 jobs, employment income of around $8.5 million, and taxes of $5.6 million annually.

Photo courtesy of CP images.