New service will operate with Boeing 787-9 aircraft in three-cabin configuration 

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - With the departure of AC056, Air Canada today inaugurated new service between Toronto and Dubai, the newest addition to its growing international network. The new route will be operated using Air Canada's most modern aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring its new cabin interior design with three classes of service, including its next generation, lie flat suites in International Business Class.

"Air Canada is very proud today to commence service to Dubai from our Toronto global hub at a time of increased travel between North America and the region. By extending our reach with our new non-stop service to Dubai, we are providing customers more convenient options for traveling to the Middle East using the newest, most modern aircraft in our fleet," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. "Today's inaugural also underscores Air Canada's commitment to its international expansion strategy, with its focus on transforming its Toronto Pearson hub into a convenient global connecting point for travel throughout the airline's extensive and expanding international, transborder and domestic networks."

"The Maple Leaf has launched and we are very pleased to welcome Air Canada to Dubai International. This new service operating thrice weekly between Toronto and Dubai will offer greater choice and added convenience to our customers. It is sure to strengthen our network, grow traffic and increase trade and tourism between Canada and the UAE," said Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports.

Since December 2014, Air Canada and Air Canada rouge have announced new international service to Dubai, Delhi, Brisbane, Lyon, London-Gatwick, Casablanca, Prague, Budapest, Glasgow and Warsaw. As a result of its ongoing expansion, Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 63 airports in Canada, 52 in the United States and 86 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America.

The three-times-weekly service to Dubai will be operated with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in a three cabin configuration, including next generation lie-flat seats in International Business Class, a Premium Economy cabin, and upgraded In-Flight Entertainment available at every seat throughout the aircraft. Flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access in Toronto, priority boarding and other benefits.

Photographs of Air Canada's 787 onboard products are available at http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/media/facts/photos_fleet.html.

About Air Canada 

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents. Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2014 served more than 38 million customers. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,321 airports in 193 countries. Air Canada rewards its most loyal customers through its top tier recognition program, Altitude, that offers frequent flyers a range of priority travel services, lounge access and upgrades to Executive Class, complementing their membership in Aeroplan, Canada's premier loyalty program, which provides numerous ways to earn and redeem Aeroplan Miles with over 150 travel and retail partners.

Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. According to the 2015 Canadian Business Travel Survey conducted by Ipsos Reid, Air Canada was the preferred airline for more than 80 percent of frequent business travellers in Canada. In 2014, readers of Global Traveler magazine again voted Air Canada "Best Airline in North America," the readers of Business Traveler voted Air Canada "Best North American Airline for International Travel" and "Best North America Airline Inflight Experience," and the readers of Premier Traveler voted Air Canada "Best Flight Attendants in North America."  For more information on Air Canada visit aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.

SOURCE Air Canada - Route & Network