Emirates has taken off to Montréal, marking the airline’s first passenger flight to Québec’s culture capital, and its second gateway in Canada.
Emirates flight EK243 took off from Dubai at 0300hrs today with a total of 340 passengers on board, including a VIP delegation and media representatives.
The inaugural long-haul flight operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, registered A6-EGI, is currently en route to Canada at the time of writing.
North American route network
The new route inauguration further adds to Emirates’ extensive North American network, which now encompasses 14 destinations across the continent, including Toronto.
With the addition of Montréal, Emirates now serves a total of 18 destinations in the Americas. This expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to offering travelers seamless connectivity and convenient travel options.
The new daily service to Montréal will not only benefit passengers traveling directly to and from the city but also provide enhanced connectivity via Dubai for travelers originating from Lebanon, India, Iran, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Africa.
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This convenient connection will enable travelers from these regions to easily access Canada’s rich offerings and explore Montréal’s unique charm.
Building tourism and trade relations
The launch of direct services between Dubai and Montréal is expected to meet the growing demand from diverse demographics.
Business travelers seeking global opportunities, leisure travelers in search of new experiences, and individuals visiting family and friends will all benefit from this new route.
Notably, the service is anticipated to be popular among students from the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and the Far East, as Montréal is home to several prestigious universities.
Emirates executives, including Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer; Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Americas; and David Broz, Vice President Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, are present on board the inaugural flight.
The delegation was farewelled from Dubai by HE Radha Krishna Panday, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, at the airport.
Emirati & Canadian crew
The first flight to Montréal is being commanded by a distinguished team of pilots, including Captain Talal Al Hammadi (UAE National), Captain David Reny (Canadian), First Officer Omar Alhammadi (UAE National), and First Officer Veljko Veljovic (Canadian).
Emirates will operate its state-of-the-art three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on this route. The First Class cabin offers eight luxurious private suites, while Business Class provides 42 lie-flat seats for a comfortable and premium travel experience.
Economy Class passengers will enjoy over 300 spacious seats, ensuring a pleasant journey for everyone on board.
UAE & Canada trade and cultural ties
The UAE and Canada have a strong economic relationship. In 2022, the two-way trade between the countries was worth over $1 billion.
The UAE is a major export market for Canadian goods, such as wheat, machinery, and plastics. Canada is also a major tourist destination for UAE citizens.
There is also a growing cultural exchange between the UAE and Montreal. In 2022, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts hosted an exhibition of Emirati art. The UAE also participates in the Montreal International Jazz Festival every year.
The University of Montreal has a campus in Dubai, and the UAE University offers a number of scholarships to Canadian students.
Following the completion of the maiden flight, the service will then operate as a daily service to Montréal. This ill complements Emirates’ existing seven weekly services to Toronto.
