Emirates A350 in Montreal: First in Canada Launching February 2026
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Emirates will deploy its brand-new Airbus A350-900 on the Dubai-Montreal route starting February 1, 2026, marking the first Canadian and American destination to receive this latest-generation aircraft. This change will introduce Emirates’ Premium Economy class to Canada for the first time, offering 32 Business Class seats (1-2-1 configuration), 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy Class seats.
What Are the Emirates A350 Flight Schedules Between Montreal and Dubai?
Daily flights will maintain current schedules with numbers EK243 and EK244:
| Flight | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| EK243 (DXB-YUL) | 2:45 AM (Dubai) | 7:35 AM (Montreal) | 1:50 PM |
| EK244 (YUL-DXB) | 10:40 AM (Montreal) | 8:00 AM +1 (Dubai) | 12:20 PM |
This 10,640 km (6,611 mile) route will become the longest operated by Emirates’ A350, requiring new aircraft equipped with crew rest facilities.
What Is the Cabin Configuration on the Emirates A350?
Emirates’ A350 for long-haul flights features 298 seats across three distinct classes, without a First Class cabin:
- 32 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration (direct aisle access for all)
- 28 Premium Economy seats with generous legroom
- 238 Economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration
The Business Class cabin interior features cream leather seats with wood-finish tables, representing Emirates’ latest product. Unlike the Boeing 777-200LR currently in service, this A350 has crew rest facilities, enabling ultra-long-haul flights.
Why Did Emirates Choose Montreal for Its First A350 in the Americas?
Montreal is the first destination in the Americas to receive the Emirates A350 for several strategic reasons. Emirates aims to diversify its offering in Canada, where it already operates daily A380 service to Toronto. This approach creates a differentiated product: Montreal will feature the newest aircraft in the fleet with Premium Economy, while Toronto maintains the A380 with its First Class cabin and onboard showers.
The codeshare partnership with Air Canada also allows passengers to access 37 additional destinations in Canada and the United States from Montreal, thus maximizing connectivity.
Emirates A350 vs Boeing 777: What Are the Differences for Passengers?
| Features | A350-900 (new) | 777-200LR (current) |
|---|---|---|
| Available Cabins | Business Class, Premium Economy, Economy | Business Class, Economy only |
| Total number of seats | 298 | 302 |
| Cabin Technology | Latest generation, quieter | Previous generation |
| Tail camera | Yes | No |
| Premium Economy | 28 seats | Not available |
A350 Advantages for Passengers
- Quieter and more comfortable cabin
- New Premium Economy class for more fare options
- Advanced technology and tail camera
- Emirates’ latest Business Class product
- Better pressurization and air humidity
Disadvantages Compared to the 777
- No First Class cabin
- Slightly fewer total seats
- No experience on this aircraft for Emirates (new type)
How to Book a Flight on the Emirates A350 Montreal-Dubai?
Bookings for A350 flights from February 1, 2026, can be made in several ways
- emirates.com website
- Emirates mobile app
- Via the Air Canada website through codeshare with Emirates
Emirates notes that if aircraft are delivered earlier than expected, the launch date could be brought forward. The airline generally has a good reputation for managing delivery expectations.
Earning and Redeeming Points for Flights on Emirates
To travel with Emirates, you can use Aeroplan points from Toronto and Montreal to Dubai. The partnership between Air Canada and Emirates has also just been renewed.
The simplest way to earn Aeroplan points is to subscribe to one of these Aeroplan credit cards. This way, you will earn Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus and through all your purchases made with this Aeroplan credit card.
The most popular Aeroplan credit cards are the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card and the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, and here are the welcome offers currently available:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $599 |
Which Other Routes Will Receive Emirates’ A350?
Adelaide (ADL) will be the first long-haul route to receive the A350 with crew rest facilities in December 2025, followed by Montreal in February 2026. Emirates plans to announce several other North American A350 routes soon, as the airline continues to receive its 65 ordered aircraft.
Currently, Emirates operates its A350s without crew rest facilities on short- and medium-haul routes to Asia and Europe. The A350 fleet supports Emirates’ strategy while the airline awaits certification of the Boeing 777X, of which it has ordered hundreds of units.
The introduction of the A350 to Montreal represents a significant service improvement on this important route. Passengers will benefit not only from a more modern and comfortable aircraft but also from the introduction of Premium Economy class, offering an intermediate option between Business Class and Economy for long transatlantic flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what exact date can I fly on the Emirates A350 between Montreal and Dubai?
The first Emirates A350 flight between Montreal and Dubai is scheduled for February 1, 2026. However, Emirates indicates that this date could be brought forward if aircraft deliveries arrive earlier than expected. Bookings are already open for this date.
How much does a Premium Economy seat cost on the Emirates A350 Montreal-Dubai?
Prices vary by season and demand, but Premium Economy class is generally between 30% and 50% more expensive than Economy class, while remaining significantly cheaper than Business Class. For precise fares, consult emirates.com or use your Emirates Skywards points for advantageous bookings.
Does the Emirates A350 have Wi-Fi and an entertainment system?
Yes, Emirates’ A350 is equipped with the airline’s award-winning entertainment system featuring over 6,500 channels of multi-language content. Wi-Fi is also available on board. The aircraft also has a tail camera allowing passengers to watch live takeoffs and landings.
Why doesn’t Emirates offer First Class on the A350?
Emirates has chosen a three-class configuration for its A350s, without First Class. This decision optimizes space to offer more Premium Economy seats, meeting strong demand for this intermediate cabin. Passengers desiring First Class can choose the daily A380 flight to Toronto.
What is the difference between the A350 with and without crew rest facilities?
A350s without rest facilities (312 seats) are limited to short and medium-haul flights. A350s with rest facilities (298 seats), like the one for Montreal, can operate ultra-long-haul flights of over 12 hours. This version has fewer Economy seats (238 vs 259) but more Premium Economy (28 vs 21).
Can I use my Aeroplan points on Emirates A350 flights?
Thanks to the codeshare partnership between Emirates and Air Canada, you can book Emirates flights with an Air Canada flight number. However, earning and using points depends on the specific rules of the Aeroplan program. It is recommended to check directly with Air Canada for the details of your specific booking.
Is Emirates’ A350 more environmentally friendly than the current Boeing 777?
Yes, the Airbus A350 is approximately 25% more fuel-efficient than previous-generation aircraft like the 777-200LR. It also produces fewer CO2 emissions per passenger and generates less noise, making it a more sustainable choice for long-haul flights between Montreal and Dubai.
