With the launch of new flights between Porto and three major North American cities, Azores Airlines has taken a significant step to strengthen connections between Portugal and the United States and Canada. These new routes are not only a sign of economic and tourist growth, but also a testament to the increasing importance of the city of Porto as an international hub. Since June this year, Azores Airlines has been offering direct flights from Porto to Boston, New York and Toronto. These weekly connections, announced last year, are now a reality, bringing Portugal's second largest city closer to major North American metropolises. Porto, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture and the world-famous Douro Valley, gains significant international connectivity. Graça Silva, Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications at the SATA Group, highlighted the importance of these new connections: "This direct flight reinforces the offer of flights from Porto and North America, destinations that Azores Airlines has served for more than two decades and where it has grown continuously." Silva pointed out that these new routes are attractive not only for tourists, but also for business travelers and people visiting friends and relatives. The flights to Boston, New York and Toronto will be operated with a Boeing 767 of EUROATLANTIC Airways, a partner of Azores Airlines, which also operates the flights from Madeira to North America. The flight times are scheduled to depart eastwards during the day and arrive in Europe late in the evening, offering passengers a pleasant travel experience.