Emirates has taken a significant step in its Canadian operations by deploying the Airbus A350 on the Dubai-Montreal route, replacing the Boeing 777 previously used for this service. With this move, the airline not only introduces a new aircraft type to the country but also debuts its Premium Economy cabin for Canadian passengers, expanding its commercial offering in a strategic market.
Montreal thus becomes the first city within Emirates’ network of 19 destinations in the Americas to receive the A350, equipped with the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy experience.
Daily A350 Operations: Schedule and Capacity
The Airbus A350 operates daily flights EK243 and EK244 with the following schedule (local time):
- EK243: Departs Dubai at 02:45, arriving in Montreal at 07:35.
- EK244: Departs Montreal at 10:40, arriving in Dubai at 08:00 the following day.
The aircraft is configured in three classes with a total capacity for 312 passengers, distributed as follows:
- 32 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
- 28 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration.
- 238 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.
→ Emirates Eyes Hypothetical Airbus A350-2000 While Pushing for Larger Widebody Jets
Premium Economy: A Proposition Rivaling Other Airlines’ Business Class
The centerpiece of this update is the addition of Premium Economy, a class that Emirates positions as comparable to the Business Class offered by many other carriers.
Key features include:
- Leather reclining seats with full leg and footrest support.
- Six-way adjustable headrests.
- Integrated charging ports.
- Side cocktail tables.
- 13.3-inch individual screens.
- Access to over 6,500 entertainment channels in 50 languages, including French.
The product focus combines increased personal space with an elevated dining service, specifically designed for long-haul flights such as Montreal–Dubai.
Integration into the Canadian Network and Expanded Connectivity
The A350 complements Emirates’ current fleet in the region, which includes Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft across its American network. In Canada, Toronto continues to be served by a daily A380 operation, consolidating the airline’s dual presence in the country.
Furthermore, thanks to the codeshare agreement with Air Canada, Emirates passengers can access 37 additional destinations across Canada and the United States from Montreal and Toronto, broadening the commercial reach of the operation.
The deployment of the A350 in Montreal represents a clear commitment to strengthening Emirates’ positioning in Canada with a more modern, efficient, and segmented product.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.