Emirates airlines is expected tomake major inroads into North andSouth America this year, Gulf Newsreported, citing sources familiar withits expansion plans.

The Dubai-based carrier, whichrecently announced several enhancementsto its existing network as wellas new routes it would add in 2007, islikely to launch commercial servicesto Sao Paolo, Brazil, in October, andis also working hard to fly to BuenosAires, Argentina.

Additionally, Emirates is said tobe discussing landing fees for a newdaily service to Toronto, Canada, whichwould become the first Canadiandestination for Emirates and only thesecond route in North America after itsdaily Dubai to New York service.

By starting its new service to SaoPaolo this year, Emirates will finallytap into the coveted South Americanmarket. "South America is a particularlybig push because Emirates hasno presence there," the source wasquoted as saying.