Overview
- Air Canada received the first of 30 A321XLRs, leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, becoming the type’s first operator in Canada.
- The A321XLR can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles with about 30% lower fuel burn per seat than prior-generation rivals, opening nonstop options from Montréal and Toronto to cities like Berlin, Toulouse, and Edinburgh.
- Air Canada’s jet uses Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and seats 14 in 1‑1 lie-flat Signature Class and 168 in economy for long transcontinental and transatlantic trips.
- The Airspace cabin adds Bluetooth-enabled entertainment, in-seat power, larger overhead bins with 60% more space, and lighting designed to ease jet lag on longer flights.
- Airbus counted more than 500 A321XLR orders by March 2026, reflecting a broader shift toward single-aisle aircraft on longer routes to cut costs and expand networks.