It’s been some time coming, but Air Canada has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR.
The delivery marks the first of 30 aircraft to be delivered to the carrier. Air Canada is using a mix of leasing and purchasing from its A321XLR fleet, with half leased from SMBC Avation Capital, the rest purchased)
This aircraft will be the first to show off the airline’s new “Glowing Hearted” cabin standard, which Air Canada debuted at Aircraft Interiors Expo.
It features personal device power at every seat, fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members, next-generation in-flight entertainment screens that are larger and offer Bluetooth connectivity, and thoughtfully curated cabin finishes inspired by the Canadian landscape and aligned to the airline’s brand and commitment to enduring quality.
In a first for Air Canada, the A321XLR also offers Air Canada Signature Class on a single-aisle aircraft, with 14 lie-flat seats, based on the Collins Aerospace Aurora platform in a 1-1 layout.
It also offers a dedicated, leather-wrapped night table with a discreet information touchscreen and a wireless device charging tray, A 19-inch 4K OLED in-flight entertainment screen with Bluetooth audio and accent lighting, an AC power outlet and multiple USB-C charging ports at each seat
Meanwhile, in Economy Class, the airline will use the Collins Aerospace Meridian+ long-haul economy class seat, which maximises personal space and comfort, with a 13″ 4K OLED Inflight Entertainment screen, offering high-powered USB-C, Bluetooth audio and accent lighting. There’s plenty of storage thanks to the Airbus XL Spacebin. A total of 168 Economy Seats will be offered, with 36 Preferred+ Extra space seats offered.
In Quotes
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, said:
“Air Canada is building one of the most modern and capable fleets in the industry. The Airbus A321XLR introduces a dynamic new component to Air Canada’s growth strategy, greatly expanding our flexibility to launch new international routes and improve our offering on existing markets. Equipped with a quieter, more comfortable cabin when compared to previous generation aircraft, this game-changing aircraft will shortly be deployed across the Atlantic from Montréal and Toronto, while also becoming a staple on key North American transcontinental markets,”
“Supporting our fleet modernization, continued network growth, and an elevated onboard experience, the arrival of the Airbus A321XLR marks a transformative moment for Air Canada.”
Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital, added:
“SMBC Aviation Capital is delighted to deliver the first of 15 A321XLR aircraft to Air Canada, one of the world’s premier airlines. The A321XLR will elevate the customer experience through enhanced comfort and service, while delivering the efficiency and operational flexibility required to support Air Canada’s continued global expansion. We look forward to supporting our valued customer, Air Canada, as they continue to launch new international routes with the A321XLR”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Airbus Commercial Aircraft, concluded
“Air Canada is a pioneer in North American aviation and we are honoured to celebrate the delivery of their first A321XLR. By combining transatlantic range with a significant reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, the A321XLR will further empower Air Canada to unlock ambitious new routes with unprecedented efficiency. We are very proud to see our latest-designed aircraft take flight under the iconic maple leaf”
Pushing forward the fleet modernisation
With fleet modernisation plans well in flight, Air Canada is expecting further deliveries over the next few years, with orders for eight A350-1000s for delivery starting in 2030 and 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. It also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. Five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, on lease, have also been delivered in 2026.
As to the A321XLR, it will await the final nods from Transport Canada to certify the aircraft and push the aircraft into service. With Palma de Mallorca expected to be one of the first launch destinations, meeting the airlines’ requirement for an aircraft that is suited to adjust for seasonal demand patterns and evolving market opportunities.
It’ll be interesting to see how it is welcomed by its passengers.
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