As of May 2, this is how Toronto Pearson passengers will be greeted aboard their Icelandair flight bound for Reykjavik.

Iceland’s national carrier began service from Toronto Pearson’s Terminal 1 on May 2, 2008. This decision was made after a new open skies agreement was reached in July 2007 between Iceland and Canada, which allows airlines of both countries to operate flights between any city in Canada and Iceland without restrictions on the number of flights.

“This latest agreement under our Blue Sky policy marks another step towards greater choice and flexibility for Canadian travellers, while connecting them to the world,” said Canada’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lawrence Cannon, when the agreement was announced.

Icelandair’s non-stop service between Toronto and Reykjavik operates three times a week until May 25 when the service increases to five times a week. Toronto is their second Canadian destination. Their first was Halifax, with additional Canadian gateways under consideration for future development.

“The GTAA is pleased to welcome Icelandair to Toronto. A new airline offers choice for the passengers that depend on Toronto Pearson, and the fact that Icelandair offers a unique service for connections to Europe is very beneficial,” said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

Icelandair currently operates 160 flights per week to 25 cities in North America and Europe, including Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, Manchester and Glasgow.

“The Canadian market plays a very important role in the growth of our route network,” said Thorsteinn Egilsson, Icelandair’s General Manager, The Americas. “Our expansion to Toronto will open an array of opportunities for commercial and leisure travel between Canada’s most populated areas and Iceland,” he added, “and to our many destinations in Scandinavia, Great Britain and Continental Europe.” Eklund said Toronto will be an excellent connecting point for Icelandair passengers travelling from other Canadian cities.

Reykjavik not only becomes a great new destination for Toronto Pearson passengers, this new service will also be an attractive stopover and connection option to those en route to the UK, Europe and beyond.

Iceland’s national carrier offers a no penalty stopover program, which allows connecting passengers to stop and discover Iceland at no addition cost. With flights departing at 9:10 p.m. from Toronto Pearson, it’s also a great option for a long weekend getaway.

If you are curious about visiting Iceland, take advantage of the fantastic special packages being offered until September 26, 2008 that will give you a taste of what the country is about. Celebrate the summer solstice in Iceland where you can watch the sun set and rise within minutes of each other on June 21—the longest day of the year. Take a horseback riding tour, a day trip to Iceland’s natural wonders like waterfalls, a black sand beach and a glacier, and spend a relaxing day soaking in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Additional information about fares and packages is available at www.icelandair.ca or by calling 1-877-I-FLY-ICE.