Air Canada unveils new suites for Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
April 14, 2026
Air Canada has unveiled its most ambitious cabin overhaul to date, combining new lie-flat suites on the Airbus A321XLR with an all-new premium product for the forthcoming Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner—as the Canadian flagship redefines its passenger experience.
The airline’s new “Glowing Hearted” cabin standard, revealed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026, introduces upgraded seating, in-flight technology and a distinctly Canadian design language across all cabins.
“This investment is about fundamentally redefining the experience of flying with Air Canada. From the moment of stepping on board, we’re setting a new standard for how Canadians and the world connect with our brand,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada.
“Details matter: we listened closely to feedback and challenged ourselves to create an experience defined by a strong Canadian sense of place, alongside a commitment to craftsmanship, functionality, and long-term durability. This investment in the care and comfort of our customers is a key element of our New Frontiers growth strategy to become one of the world’s leading airlines.”
Air Canada’s new lie-flat suites for the A321XLR
At the front of its A321XLR fleet, Air Canada will install 14 lie-flat business-class suites based on the Aurora platform from Collins Aerospace.
The product marks a first for the Canadian market: a true lie-flat “Signature Class” experience on a single-aisle aircraft, targeting long, thin routes across the Atlantic and premium transcontinental services.
The Aurora suite has been customised with Air Canada and design partner Acumen, featuring a warmer palette and residential-style finishes, including wood, stone and bronze accents.
Collins has engineered the suite specifically for the A321XLR’s dimensions, using an angled installation and integrated architecture to maximise space, add an extra premium row and preserve galley capacity for long-haul catering.
“Our primary goal was to elevate the in-flight experience by creating a space that feels exceptionally inviting and highly personal,” said John Moody, managing director of On-Board Product for Air Canada. “With the Aurora suite, we are setting the standard through the thoughtful use of space, technology, bespoke materials and finishes. Our meticulous attention to detail offers our customers a true retreat.”
Behind the premium cabin, the aircraft will feature 168 Meridian+ economy seats, also from Collins, with improved ergonomics and space optimisation drawn from widebody design principles.
Air Canada 787-10: New Signature Plus suites target ultra-premium demand
While the A321XLR brings premium comfort to narrowbody flying, the airline’s new Boeing 787-10 cabins will introduce an even more exclusive product: the new Air Canada Signature Plus suite.
Positioned at the front of the aircraft, the suites offer passengers additional space and flexibility. Each suite will feature a 2-metre (6’5”) bed, a quartzite-topped table, a dedicated guest seat and expanded personal storage.
The centre suites are designed with sociability in mind, offering retractable privacy panels that allow up to four passengers travelling together to share the space during the cruise, providing partners and families an opportunity to socialise comfortably in-flight.
The new product represents Air Canada’s push for the high-yield premium passenger segment, competing with the latest generation of ultra-premium suites being introduced across long-haul fleets globally.
There are improvements throughout the aircraft. Premium Economy passengers will benefit from new privacy wings, while all cabins will see ergonomic seating updates designed to maximise personal space and comfort.
Air Canada’s Glowing Heart design details
Inspired by Canada, the airline’s new cabin design creates a comforting and modern space.
Air Canada Signature red stitching and bespoke fabrics pair with a palette of greys and stone. Natural wood grain details and bronze metal accents deliver warmth. Leather-grain surfaces and metal finishes offer refinement and durability.
On the Airbus A321XLR, a backlit canopy of maple leaves provides “a Canadian welcome” to passengers as they board the aeroplane.
On the Boeing 787-10, customers flying in premium cabins are “greeted by a wave-like entrance monument,” which the airline says is “inspired by Canada’s waterways.” In keeping with the warm tones of the new cabin, the Air Canada rondelle is cast in bronze.
The airline will complement the hard-product update with soft-product improvements as part of the Glowing Hearted experience.
Later this year, Air Canada will introduce a new “end-to-end hospitality experience” that the airline says will be “distinctly Canadian.” It will include service, food-and-beverage enhancements, and improved amenities.
Cabin-wide upgrades: larger screens and power
Beyond seating, Air Canada’s “Glowing Hearted” concept includes in-flight entertainment improvements.
On the Airbus A321XLR:
- 4K OLED IFE screens (13” in Economy, 19” in premium cabins) with Bluetooth audio.
On the Boeing 787-10:
- 4K OLED IFE screens (13” in Economy, 16” in Premium Economy, and up to 27” in premium cabins) with Bluetooth audio.
The airline will also provide access to high-powered USB-C and AC power outlets at every seat, to keep passengers’ electronic devices fully charged throughout the flight.
Narrowbody and widebody meet on premium
The A321XLR enables Air Canada to open new long-haul routes with lower operating costs while maintaining a competitive premium offering. The 787-10 is a flagship product designed to capture high-value demand on core intercontinental routes.
The first A321XLR will enter service this summer, with the 787-10 and its Signature Plus suites to follow—marking the first full rollout of Air Canada’s new cabin standard.
The dual launch of the A321XLR and 787-10 cabins is the latest of the passenger experience upgrades Air Canada has announced. As Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft move from Rouge to the mainline fleet, the airline will also retrofit these to its latest design standard. Air Canada Express aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation, will also be fitted with new cabins.
Featured Image: Air Canada
