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Air Canada increases Dubai and Toronto service

Air Canada has further expanded its service between Dubai and Toronto, with flights initially increasing from four to five times weekly from October 31, 2022. This expansion represents an additional 60 per cent capacity, with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft replacing Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route. The airline is set to further increase its Dubai to Toronto service from five to six times weekly from January 8, 2023, and then to daily from March 26, 2023. 

Air Canada flights from Dubai to Toronto are operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that can accommodate 400 passengers, with a choice of three classes of service: Air Canada Signature Class featuring lie-flat seats, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.

“We are excited to announce this increase in our services between Dubai and Toronto,” said Deepu Cyriac, Air Canada, Country Manager UAE. “These additional frequencies will provide even more flight options for our customers in the UAE and the possibility to connect via our Toronto hub to 69 onward destinations across the Americas. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board.”

Air Canada and Emirates also recently announced the launch of their codeshare cooperation to extend global networks and enhance the customer experience. The new partnership will allow customers of the carriers to enjoy seamless connectivity to 46 markets spanning three continents, including to destinations across the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

 

Global aviation eyes new Saudi routes

The 2022 edition of the Routes World forum, which was held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in October, saw major interest from global airlines and aviation players in establishing new air routes and strengthening existing air travel partnerships with Saudi Arabia. The Saudi delegation included an inaugural participation by the Air Connectivity Program (ACP).

ACP, a Vision 2030 enabler of diversifying the economy through aviation and tourism, is responsible for enhancing tourism air connectivity in the Kingdom and developing new routes to connect Saudi Arabia to more destinations.

ACP engaged in conversations with the global route development community, a grouping that establishes airline connectivity. Delegates from ACP also took part in IATA’s Airport Forum.  

 

marhaba expands airport lounge offering

marhaba, part of dnata, continues to expand its lounge offering as passengers increasingly look for quality airport hospitality services to boost their travel experience.

Most recently, marhaba re-opened a newly refurbished lounge at Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 3. Located at Concourse ‘C’, the newest marhaba lounge features contemporary Arabic influences, enhanced buffet area and a unique bar concept. It offers comfortable seating for 140 guests across multiple, separate areas and plenty of charging points as part of a revamped experience for travellers. 

Including its upgraded facility, marhaba now operates five lounges at DXB, each offering superfast Wi-Fi and international cuisine catering to a wide range of dietary and ethnic requirements. Several lounges also feature a quiet zone for relaxation, shower facilities and dedicated kids’ areas.

 

Convenience ‘is top priority for passengers’

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the results of its 2022 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), showing that travellers’ top concerns for travel in the post-COVID crisis period are focused on simplification and convenience.

“Travel during COVID-19 was complex, cumbersome and time consuming due to government-imposed travel requirements. Post-pandemic, passengers want improved convenience throughout their trip. Digitalization and use of biometrics to speed up the travel journey is the key,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security.

Passengers want convenience when they plan their travel and when choosing where to depart from. Their preference is to fly from an airport close to home, have all booking options and services available in one single place, pay with their preferred payment method and easily offset their carbon emissions.

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