Air Canada Unveils First Airbus A321XLR Routes, Connecting Montreal to Mallorca
Air Canada is set to expand its international reach with the introduction of its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The airline announced its inaugural routes for the long-range narrowbody jet, with a significant new destination being added to its network. This strategic move leverages the A321XLR’s enhanced capabilities to open up new global opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Air Canada’s first Airbus A321XLR route will connect Montreal (YUL) to Palma de Mallorca (PMI) starting June 17, 2026.
- The A321XLR offers an extended range of approximately 5,400 miles, significantly more than the A321neo.
- Existing routes from Montreal to Toulouse (TLS) and Edinburgh (EDI) will also be transitioned to the A321XLR in 2026.
- The aircraft will feature a premium cabin with 14 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-1 configuration and 168 economy seats, including 36 preferred seats.
New Horizons with the A321XLR
Air Canada’s strategic decision to deploy the Airbus A321XLR on its first routes highlights the aircraft’s impressive range capabilities. The new service will link its hub at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to the popular Spanish beach destination of Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). This route will operate four times weekly, commencing on June 17, 2026. The eastbound flights are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with westbound flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, stated that the "revolutionary narrowbody aircraft unlocks new, exciting global opportunities with its widebody range and enhanced onboard product." This sentiment underscores the airline’s vision for leveraging the A321XLR to offer a superior travel experience on longer flights.
Fleet Expansion and Route Adjustments
In addition to the new Montreal-Palma de Mallorca service, Air Canada will also reconfigure existing non-stop routes to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) and Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to utilize the A321XLR in 2026. Currently, these routes are served by a Boeing 787 for Toulouse and a Boeing 737 MAX 8 for Edinburgh. The introduction of the A321XLR signifies a shift in fleet strategy for these services.
Air Canada anticipates receiving its first of 30 A321XLRs in the first quarter of 2026, with plans to take delivery of 10 of these aircraft that year. This expansion will bolster the airline’s capacity for long-haul, thin routes.
Onboard Experience
The A321XLRs operated by Air Canada will be configured to offer a refined passenger experience. The cabin will feature 14 lie-flat business class seats arranged in an efficient 1-1 layout, providing a high degree of privacy and comfort. The economy cabin will accommodate 168 passengers in a standard 3-3 configuration, with 36 of these being "preferred" seats offering extra legroom. The airline has also promised a "new design standard for our onboard experience" on these aircraft, though specific details and renderings have not yet been released.
Air Canada joins a growing list of global carriers embracing the A321XLR. Iberia was the first to operate the aircraft in November 2024, using it to expand its North American presence. Aer Lingus and Qantas Airways have also received the aircraft, with American Airlines and United Airlines among other carriers awaiting their deliveries.
Sources
- Air Canada announces first Airbus A321XLR routes, The Points Guy.
