Are you travelling to Europe this summer?
Fresh from a strike that affected thousands of passengers, Air Canada announced Montréal to Palma de Mallorca as its first brand new route to be operated by its Airbus A321 extra-long range (XLR) aircraft.
Air Canada will begin taking delivery of its Airbus A321XLR fleet in early 2026, with the aircraft debuting in June on a new Montréal–Palma de Mallorca route.
The A321XLR, the first narrow-body in the airline’s fleet to feature lie-flat Signature Class seats, offers a wide-body experience for 182 passengers and introduces a new standard for cabin interiors.
Alongside the launch of its first-ever Canadian flights to Mallorca, Air Canada will deploy the aircraft on other routes, including year-round Montréal–Toulouse and seasonal Montréal–Edinburgh service starting in 2026, with additional routes planned from Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and more as deliveries continue.
Air Canada has ordered 30 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with the first arriving in early 2026 on lease from Air Lease Corporation, followed by up to 10 more deliveries later that year.
What is the difference between A321 and A321XLR?
According to the Lufthansa Group, one of the few airlines still operating the original A321, notes that the A321-100 and -200 versions reach just over 3,000 nautical miles, while the new XLR extends that range to nearly 5,000 nautical miles, according to Airways Magazine.
What is special about the A321XLR?
Built on the successful A321neo platform, the A321XLR is a highly optimized aircraft that opens new long-haul possibilities for airlines.
With a range of up to 4,700 NM and seating for up to 244 passengers, it provides a low-risk way to launch longer routes.
Featuring the latest Airspace cabin, the XLR delivers a true long-haul experience with wider economy seating, lie-flat business class seats, next-generation inflight entertainment, and full connectivity.
For more information about the Airbus A321XLR, click here.
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