Emirates plans to expand in Americas

Dubai: Emirates airlines is expected to make major inroads into North and South America this year, according to sources familiar with its expansion plans.

The Dubai-based carrier is likely to launch commercial services to Sao Paolo, Brazil, in October.

Additionally, Emirates is said to be discussing landing fees for a new daily service to Toronto, Canada, which would become the first Canadian destination for Emirates and only the second route in North America after its daily Dubai to New York service.

By starting its new service to Sao Paolo this year, Emirates will finally tap into the coveted South American market.

"South America is a particularly big push because Emirates has no presence there," said the source, who also said Emirates was working hard to begin flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Recently, the airline announced several enhancements to its existing network as well as new routes it would add in 2007.

Emirates is slated to begin daily service to Venice, Italy in July, as well as Newcastle, United Kingdom, in September.

Emirates also recently said it would strengthen its Middle East network in 2007 by adding two flights to its Kuwait and Damascus operations each week, as well as enhancing its Beirut service to twice daily.

Emirates is expected to announce its 2006 annual results in April.

The carrier has been hampered by the 22-month delay of the Airbus A380, which underpinned a major part of its expansion plans. However experts believe Emirates might opt to use replacement aircraft equipped for long-haul flights such as the Airbus A340 and the Boeing 777 extended range.

Official announcements with full flight details are expected in the coming months.