Aduragbemi Omiyale
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada have further strengthened their business and trade relations with an expanded air transport agreement between the two countries.
Under the new deal, Emirates will increase its frequency to the North American nation with two additional flights per week between Dubai and Toronto.
Canada air service agreement will pave the way for economic opportunities and value creation for both nations, which will spur tourism and trade.
A statement from the airline operator disclosed that from Thursday, April 20, daily flights would operate on the busy route to serve the huge demand for passenger services.
The daily flights between Dubai and Toronto will offer over 6,800 seats per week on popular routes with a 40 per cent increase in capacity to serve pent-up demand.
The chief commercial officer of Emirates, Mr Adnan Kazim, said, “Emirates welcomes the expansion of the air services agreement between the UAE and Canada, and we would firstly like to thank all stakeholders and authorities who were involved in this pivotal agreement that will provide a boost to the aviation and tourism sectors in both countries.
“We have been serving customers between Toronto and Dubai since 2007, and although the double-decker A380 aircraft has been operating the route since 2009, demand arising from leisure and corporate travellers, diaspora and students has consistently outstripped the allocated capacity.
“This enhanced agreement represents a turning point for us in our strategy to serve our customers better by offering more choice and flexibility and meet pent-up demand across our growing network.
“Business ties between Canada and the UAE have grown significantly over the years, and the expanded air services will help to further nurture business and trade.
“The expansion of air services is also an affirmation of the growing importance of the UAE to Canada’s global connectivity, which we can support through our global network of more than 130 destinations.
“Together with the relevant authorities, our codeshare and loyalty programme partner Air Canada, and our valued industry partners, we look forward to playing a role in facilitating more tourism and trade opportunities between the two nations.”
