Emirates will start thrice-weekly, non-stop service from Dubai to Toronto, a first gateway for the airline in Canada, starting October 29, the airline said. The service is subject to approval. Emirates will fly its Boeing 777-300ER on the route, offering 354 seats in a three-class configuration with six tonnes of cargo capacity from Dubai to Toronto and 12 tonnes from Toronto to Dubai.

"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. We anticipate this route will be very popular, connecting Canada to our global network of soon to be over 90 cities worldwide," said Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group.

"This year marks a substantial investment in expanded services in North America, and with enhancements to our 777-300ER, we certainly look forward to launching operations to Toronto in October." The route will provide travellers with access to all major Canadian centres with connections available through Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The non-stop service will take 14 hours and 20 minutes. The return journey will be completed in about 13 hours.

Making comfort a top concern on the long-haul journey, the aircraft will be fitted with eight private suites in First class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business class, and a comfortable Economy-class cabin for 304 passengers. Pending government approval, Toronto will be one of five new Emirates destinations in 2007.

Earlier this year, Emirates announced plans to start services to Venice in July, Newcastle in September, Sao Paulo in October and Houston in December. Emirates' global route network currently spans 87 cities in 60 countries across Africa, Europe, the Far East, the Indian Subcontinent and North America.