Cargo news

2 April 2026

A long-awaited return to Toronto strengthens connections to North America

At the beginning of May 2026, Finnair will start three weekly flights to Toronto, Canada, using an A330 wide-body aircraft. The route will operate during the summer season until the end of August. 

“This marks a happy return to Canada after a long pause of eleven years. We at Finnair Cargo see that this opens many new cargo opportunities for our existing clients, as well as the possibility to reach new clients,” begins Tiina Saari, Finnair Cargo Sales Director for North America, ANZ & Global Product Management. 

The new route that supports Finnair’s cargo capacity across the Atlantic will not only expand the possibilities to reach Toronto but also facilitates onwards options within Canada, for example Montreal. 

Naturally, it will also mean that the entire Finnair Cargo network expands, with Canada now connected to the extensive Europe–Asia network already operated by Finnair. 

“We will now have a consistent and fast delivery route between Canada and Northern Europe, creating opportunities to improve our customer experience,” Saari points out.

Wide variety of cargo expected

The cargo capacity for each flight will be approximately 25,000 kg in both directions. According to Saari, client interest is already high, and we are happy to be able to support our customers with this summer route. 

The types of cargo are expected to be varied, ranging from pharmaceuticals and technology to perishables. Saari believes that also on this route, Finnair’s expertise in special cargo will be highly appreciated. The wide-body aircraft are especially suitable for temperature-controlled cargo. 

“The direct connection between Toronto and Helsinki is ideal for transporting valuable and time-critical cargo. We also have the advantage of our world-class Helsinki COOL terminal, known for its modern facilities, reliability, efficiency, and speed. Our Helsinki hub is non-congested and offers smooth transit service, which is an advantage compared to many larger and more crowded cargo hubs.”

Toronto is a driving force in the Canadian economy

Toronto is a natural connection point for Finnair, given its major economic significance. It is the fourth-largest city in North America, with more than three million residents, and a quarter of Canadians live within 160 km of the city. 

The city of Toronto accounts for 11% of Canada’s GDP, and Toronto-based businesses export over $70 billion in goods and services globally. The Toronto area is especially known as a hub for technology companies, financial services, and manufacturing — including sectors such as food and beverage, life sciences, fashion/apparel, machinery and equipment, automotive and aerospace. 

Toronto is also geographically well connected, with major highways and railway lines enabling cargo distribution beyond air connections. 

Finnair flights will operate to Toronto Pearson Airport, Canada’s largest and busiest airport. Around 45% of Canadian air cargo passes through Pearson; for example, in 2024, the airport handled approximately 500,000 metric tonnes of cargo. The cargo facilities are extensive, with 1.2 million square feet of on-airport warehouse space and the capacity to process 1 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.

Customers welcome the new route

The Finnair Cargo team is eagerly anticipating the opening of the new route and believes it will be a great addition to the network. 

“We are proud of our product and excited to offer it to a new customer base in and out of Canada. Existing clients have already given us very positive feedback, indicating that the route launch has been well received,” Saari says. 

For Toronto sales and handling contact information please see our local contacts.