Emirates has announced the launch of its scheduled services to Montréal, marking its second gateway in Canada.
The inaugural flight, operated by a state-of-the-art Boeing 777 aircraft, arrived at Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport to a warm reception from airport officials, aviation enthusiasts, and media. This new development underscores Emirates’ commitment to expanding its global network and providing passengers with enhanced travel options.
The Emirates executive team, including Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer; Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Americas; and David Broz, Vice President Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, were present on the landmark flight. Their presence demonstrated the significance of this new destination for Emirates.
Upon arrival, the VIP delegation from Dubai was welcomed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President – USA and Canada, and Shaz Peshimam, Emirates’ Country Manager for Canada. A welcome ceremony and gift exchange between Emirates, airport officials, and Montréal’s tourism board took place, showcasing the strong partnership and enthusiasm for the new service.
Emirates showcased its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring a three-class configuration, to government representatives, media, guests, and members of the travel trade industry. The aircraft offers luxurious amenities such as eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the significance of the new route, stating that the launch of the Montréal service will positively impact tourism, business, and trade between the UAE and Canada. The airline has already seen strong demand from travelers planning trips to Canada from various countries, including the UAE, India, Iran, Lebanon, Far East, and Africa.
The addition of Montréal as a destination reflects Emirates’ commitment to providing customers with more travel choices. With the airline’s existing services to Toronto, passengers can now conveniently fly directly to Canada’s second-largest metropolis for various purposes, such as business, leisure, education, or visiting friends and family.
Philippe Rainville, President, and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal expressed his delight in welcoming Emirates to Montréal. The partnership is viewed as a significant opportunity for passengers to experience the world-class Emirates service and explore the majestic city of Dubai. Rainville also noted that the new route aligns with ADM’s goal of offering more connections to popular destinations outside of peak travel times.
Emirates’ daily flights between Dubai and Montréal operate as EK243 and EK244, offering convenient travel times for passengers. The new service complements the airline’s existing seven weekly services to Toronto, further strengthening its North American network.
Yves Lalumière, President, and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, acknowledged the importance of the new direct flight, as it expands the city’s air network and positions Montréal as a leading tourist destination. He expressed gratitude to Emirates for making Montréal more accessible to travelers worldwide.
Emirates’ strategic partnership with Air Canada allows customers to access an extensive network of destinations. Through codeshare arrangements, Emirates passengers can reach 19 Canadian cities beyond Toronto, while Air Canada customers can connect to 17 cities in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Far East via Dubai. Furthermore, Emirates Skywards members can earn and redeem miles on eligible Air Canada flightsacross their network.
Emirates is renowned for its commitment to providing a superior travel experience. At Dubai International Airport, premium class customers and select Skywards members have access to a range of lounges to relax and unwind before their flights. First Class and Business Class customers in both Dubai and Montréal can also enjoy chauffeur drive services to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless and luxurious journey.
Passengers flying with Emirates can indulge in exceptional onboard comfort, regionally-inspired dining, and world-class entertainment. The airline’s widebody fleet offers a wide range of options, including up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment through the award-winning ice inflight entertainment system. Passengers traveling between Dubai and Montréal can savor Canadian cuisine, including traditional favorites like maple syrup-drenched pancakes and French toast.
The launch of Emirates’ services to Montréal also strengthens the economic ties between the UAE and Canada. The UAE is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding C$2.6 billion in 2022. The airline’s cargo services further facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries, with capacity to carry significant cargo on its passenger and A380 aircraft.
Montréal itself is a vibrant and culturally rich city, attracting visitors from around the world. Its fascinating neighborhoods, iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica, and diverse culinary scene make it an enticing destination for leisure and business travelers alike. Montréal’s tourism industry is set to benefit from Emirates’ new service, as it opens up countless opportunities for exploration and discovery. See hotel deals in the city and reserve your room today
With the launch of scheduled services to Montréal, Emirates continues to solidify its presence in Canada and expand its global network. Passengers now have more options when planning their trips to Canada, while also benefiting from convenient connections to other popular destinations. The airline’s commitment to delivering an exceptional “fly better” experience across all classes positions it as a preferred choice for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and world-class service.
Emirates’ entry into Montréal marks a significant milestone for both the airline and the city. The new service strengthens Emirates’ Canadian network, provides travelers with more options, and fosters closer economic ties between the UAE and Canada. With its renowned inflight and on-ground services, Emirates continues to raise the bar for air travel, offering passengers an unparalleled travel experience.
