Emirates launches two non-stop services

Emirates Airline launched two new non-stop services: a six-a-week service to Ahmedabad, India, and a thrice-weekly service to Toronto, Canada - marking a simultaneous expansion of its global route network eastwards and westwards from Dubai.

Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, travelled on the inaugural flight to Toronto, together with VIP guests Sara Hradecky, Canadian Ambassador in the UAE; and Hassan Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador in Canada.

Sheikh Ahmed also leads a delegation of senior Emirates executives to Toronto, comprising: Ghaith Al Ghaith, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide; Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Divisional Senior Vice President Chairman's Office, Facilities, Projects Management and Procurement and Logistics (Non-Airline); Mike Simon, Divisional Senior Vice President Corporate Communications; and Peter Sedgeley, Senior Vice President Cargo Commercial Operations.

Representing Emirates on the airline's first flight to Ahmedabad were: Nabil Sultan, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations - Gulf Middle East and Iran; and Salem Obaidalla Vice President Commercial Operations - West Asia and Indian Ocean.

The Dubai-Toronto service heralds Emirates' second destination in North America after New York; while the Ahmedabad service represents Emirates' ninth gateway in India, strengthening the airline's connections between Dubai and the subcontinent.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "Emirates is delighted to launch the keenly-anticipated flights to Ahmedabad and Toronto today, bringing to fruition many months of work preparing for the start of services to both cities. We are glad to be able to grow our route network, thus expanding the number of travel options available to our customers around the world.

"We are confident that both new Emirates services will be well-received by our customers, and we hope that the two new air connections forged will be the harbinger of even closer ties for Dubai with Canada and India in the coming years," he said.