Air Canada has announced that it will be expanding its network in 2026 following the delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
The airline expects to receive the aircraft in the new year, and will be conducting test and certification work during the early months of 2026.
The aircraft is expected to be in full commercial service for summer 2026, travelling to destinations that include Palma de Mallorca, Toulouse, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Montreal.
“The A321XLR will be used to replace some older aircraft, but our strategy is to use it for growth, especially international growth," said Alexandre Lefevre, VP of network planning for North America and scheduling at Air Canada.
“With the size, range, and the capabilities of this aircraft, we're going to be able to, first and foremost, fly new international markets and maintain a presence year-round when demand is not sufficient to operate the route profitably with a larger aircraft.”
Canada Air will also use the A321XLR for domestic and regional routes within North America.
“For us, the A321XLR is not a single trick aircraft,” said Lefevre. “It's a very versatile machine that can go international, but it can also operate a domestic transcontinental route.
“So you're going to have this experience of lie-flat seats on a narrowbody between Toronto, Montreal and the west coast of, of Canada, for example.”
Some of the advantages of the A321XLR are a longer range, thanks to the larger fuel tank, and an all-new cabin, including larger overhead XL bins, the airline said.
“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,” Levefre added.
“A faster, more efficient boarding process will improve the customer experience and ensure on-time departures.”