Toronto: Emirates SkyCargo has launched a weekly freighter service to Toronto Pearson Airport, further strengthening air cargo links between Canada and the UAE. The new service expands cargo connectivity for Canadian businesses and supports growing bilateral trade flows.
According to Emirates News Agency, Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo's Divisional Senior Vice President, stated that the freighter service to Toronto is a critical step in the strategic expansion of their freighter fleet and network. The service is aligned with the evolving trade corridors between the two countries. Exports from Canada to the UAE have been on an upward trend, marked by a 24% increase year on year between 2023 and 2024, facilitated by direct air connectivity and strong bilateral trade relations.
The new weekly freighter service to Toronto offers Canadian businesses an additional 100 tons of export capacity every week, supplementing the existing belly hold cargo capacity on Emirates passenger flights. The flight also enhances connectivity between Canada and the EU, one of Canada's largest trading partners, with a stopover in Amsterdam on the inbound segment.
Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer at Toronto Pearson, emphasized the significance of the new service for the airport. As Canada's largest air cargo hub, handling approximately 45% of the country's total cargo, Toronto Pearson plays a pivotal role in connecting Canadian businesses to global markets. This new service provides shippers with direct and reliable access to one of the world's most expansive cargo networks, underscoring the continued confidence in Toronto Pearson as a strategic gateway for global trade.
The freighter flight between Amsterdam and Toronto supports the movement of pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other manufactured goods from the EU to Canada. Since the start of passenger flights to Toronto in 2007, Emirates SkyCargo has been a key facilitator of trade to and from Canada. More recently, the airline has transported over 11,000 tonnes of export cargo from Canada since 2023.