Air Canada is poised to grow its international route network next year after taking delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
In a statement, the carrier said it is considering potential new routes that would make sense for the A321XLR.
Alexandre Lefevre, vice president of network planning for North America and scheduling at Air Canada, said the airline expects to have the extended-range jet in full commercial service by the summer of 2026.
“When you look at opening new routes, you need to look at the economics,” Lefevre said in a news release. “When you’ve got a tool like the A321XLR that’s completely different from the tools you’ve got in your toolbox today, that opens up new markets that today you cannot viably and profitably open.”
International Growth
“The A321XLR will be used to replace some older aircraft, but our strategy is to use it for growth, especially international growth,” he added.
Last month, Air Canada announced its first new route supported by the A321XLR – Montreal to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The service will operate from June 17, 2026, to Oct. 24, 2026.
The airline also plans to use the A321XLR on existing routes to Toulouse, France; Dublin; and Edinburgh, Scotland.
Air Canada is also looking at using the aircraft on some longer domestic routes, which would give more customers access to its amenities, including lie-flat seating and larger overhead bins. Lefevre suggested the A321XLR could be used on service between Toronto and Montreal and the west coast of Canada.
