Emirates will become the first airline to serve Canada with the A380 superjumbo, when it commences flights between Dubai and Toronto on June 1.
The carrier currently flies three times per week between the two cities using a Boeing 777, and has been eager to increase this frequency. In the meantime however it will be able to raise capacity on the route by around 40 per cent, as an Emirates-configured A380 can hold around 490 passengers, compared to 350-odd for the 777.
Speaking at the launch of the new route, Emirates president Tim Clark said:
“We are extremely pleased to provide the A380 for our Dubai-Toronto service, which has had consistently strong demand since the three-times weekly route was launched in October, 2007. In fact, the demand has been so high it will only allow Emirates to address some of the unmet need of the Toronto market.
“The launch of the Dubai-Toronto A380 service means we will continue to invest in Canada, one of our most important markets. Our inaugural A380 flight to Toronto comes just after the hiring of Emirates' 500th Canadian employee. Our Canadian employees are in Canada and Dubai in positions ranging from management to pilots to cabin crew and engineers.
“Despite the current economic difficulties, this is good news for the Canadian economy. We believe you need a long-term view. By adding this new ultra-efficient aircraft to Toronto, we are increasing trade and tourism capacity, but the three flights a week restriction remains a disappointment. We believe Toronto needs a daily A380 service and progressively, a second daily service with an aircraft like the 777.”
Emirates currently serves London, New York, Sydney and Auckland with the A380, and will also roster the superjumbo on to its Dubai-Seoul route this November.
For more information visit emirates.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
