Air Canada announces more routes for new Airbus A321XLR
October 9, 2025
Air Canada is preparing for a new phase of growth as it readies its first Airbus A321XLR, an aircraft the carrier says will open routes previously out of reach for its narrowbody fleet.
The A321XLR, the longest-range version of the Airbus A320neo family, is expected to enter service with Air Canada in 2026 following a period of testing and certification early in the year.
“Next year we’re going to finally get our hands on that new aircraft,” said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President, Network Planning – North America and Scheduling at Air Canada. “It’s going to open up a range of new possibilities, new routes, new markets for Air Canada. We’re really excited, and it’s a big deal for us that will herald a new era of international growth.”
Air Canada’s first A321XLR routes and fleet role
In September, Air Canada announced that Palma de Mallorca would be the first destination served by the A321XLR, with the route launching in June 2026 from Montréal. This week, the airline revealed that the aircraft will also operate flights to Toulouse, Dublin and Edinburgh from Montréal next summer.
Lefevre said the A321XLR will primarily be used to expand the airline’s international network rather than simply replace older aircraft. Its range and efficiency will allow the carrier to serve long, thin routes that are not viable with larger widebody aircraft.
“When you’ve got a tool like the A321XLR that’s completely different from the tools you’ve got in your toolbox today, that opens up new markets that today you cannot viably and profitably open,” he said.
The A321XLR has a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, enabling direct flights between Eastern Canada and destinations across Europe and parts of South America. Air Canada says the aircraft will also give it the flexibility to maintain year-round service on certain routes that would otherwise be seasonal.
Air Canada’s A321XLR cabin features
The aircraft will introduce a new interior design for Air Canada. The cabin will feature larger overhead bins and a modernised passenger experience. It will accommodate 182 passengers, including 14 Signature Class lie-flat seats in the front cabin and 168 economy class seats. The airline is working on a new cabin design for its fleet with London-based design firm Acumen. While the details of the A321XLR’s cabins have not been revealed, the airline hints at the new onboard experience with a seat preview on its reservations page for the flight to Palma, which is already available for booking.
“The A321XLR will be the launch platform for many of the new features that customers will see across the Air Canada fleet,” Lefevre said. “It’s going to come with a new look and feel in the cabin, and that is something that will be rolled out across the entire Air Canada fleet.”
While the XLR will focus on international operations, the airline also plans to utilise it on select domestic and North American routes.
“You’re going to have this experience of lie-flat seats on a narrowbody between Toronto, Montreal and the west coast of Canada,” Lefevre added.
A new aircraft full of possibilities
Lefevre also highlighted the technical advantages of the aircraft, including the larger fuel tank, and revealed operational changes that will maximise aircraft utilisation.
“This also allows us to be more efficient by having faster turnaround times and getting the aircraft back in the air, because it’s meant to fly, not to be on the ground,” he said. “A faster, more efficient boarding process will improve the customer experience and ensure on-time departures.”
Air Canada has ordered 30 A321XLRs, combining direct purchases from Airbus with lease agreements. The first A321XLR, leased through Air Lease, is expected to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2026, with 10 additional aircraft to join the fleet next year.
The A321XLR will play a key role in the airline’s plan to grow its network and improve fleet flexibility as it modernises operations.
