Early Friday, June 18, 2021, for the very first time, the twin engine of Air Canada[i]’s Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner touched down at Cairo International Airport, arriving from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
The flight was welcomed with a water salute, a universal welcoming ritual and a traditional aviation ceremony. The salute consisted of fire fighting rigs spraying arches of water over the aircraft as it taxied along the runway near the terminal.
To mark the historic event, a special ceremony was held after the flight disembarked and was attended by the Embassy of Canada’s Commercial Counsellor & Senior Trade Commissioner, Ms. Jasmine Wahhab, and Trade Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Tadros; Ms. Ghada Shalaby – Deputy Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; and Mr. Ahmed Youssef – Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Egyptian Board.
They were joined by Mr. Mehdi Sentissi, Air Canada’s Country Manager, and officials from Cairo International Airport. They welcomed the first arriving Air Canada passengers and crew, who were greeted by signature Egyptian hospitality.
Dr. Ghada Shalaby – Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, congratulated Air Canada and partners, saying: “Today, a new route has been inaugurated, not only to facilitate the return of our diaspora but to promote tourism with the Americas, as we look forward to welcome them to our latest world-class achievements as Tahrir Square and the newly launched National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.”
The hallmark of today’s relationship between Canada and Egypt is the determination both countries have shown in the face of COVID-19’s impact on world economies. Jasmine Wahhab, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Canada to Egypt, said, “2021 has witnessed ground-breaking partnerships and the expansion of Canadian businesses in Egypt.
With this unique bridge connecting Montreal and Cairo, two exceptionally vibrant cities, Air Canada opens a new chapter in Canada-Egypt relations by becoming the sole airline based in the Americas to fly directly to Egypt – an achievement that Canadians can be proud of. With less than 2 weeks to go before CANADA DAY, there is no better way to celebrate than by welcoming Canada’s flag carrier as it lands in the Egyptian capital.
We are very pleased to mark the historic start of this non-stop service – a testament to both countries’ resilience and shared belief that laying the groundwork of reinforcing our relationship today will strengthen our economies in the future post-pandemic world.
This inaugural flight paves the way for increased connectivity once restrictions put in place to protect our health from the devastating effects of COVID-19 can be safely lifted.” She concluded by attributing Air Canada’s debut in Egypt to exemplary partnerships, saying “This bilateral milestone would not have been possible without the close collaboration of the Government of Canada and the Government of Egypt.
On the local level here in Cairo, the Canadian Embassy salutes the leadership of Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Cairo International Airport, as well as Air Canada’s partners on the ground: Excel Travel S.A.E., International Aviation Business (IAB), and Egyptian Aviation Services (EAS).”
In the evening, the Embassy of Canada to Egypt organized an outdoors, open-air reception at the Official Residence hosting leading Canadian companies active in Egypt, the Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service, the Chairman of Egypt Air, as well as other distinguished Egyptian officials and private sector representatives.
Jasmine concluded the momentous day saying: “While it remains imperative that Canadians continue to abide by our Government’s advice to avoid non-essential travel, we are grateful for the creation of a new platform that will ensure that Canadians and Egyptians alike are equipped to seize trade, investment, tourism, and academic mobility opportunities once regular international travel can safely and fully resume.”
The direct Air Canada route will be operated with three weekly departures from Montreal and three weekly departures from Cairo. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner seats 255 passengers and features a choice of three cabins of service: Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy class. The B787-800 burns 20% less fuel and costs 30% less to maintain than the B767-300, while carrying 25 to 40 more passengers .
Schedule as highlighted below.
Flight
Route
Departure
Arrival
Frequency
AC75
CAI-YUL
12:00
17:00
Wed/Fri/Sun
AC74
YUL-CAI
18:05
1015
Tue/Thu/Sat
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