Air Canada’s first Airbus A321XLR officially entered service on Tuesday with a short domestic flight, a warm-up of sorts as it nears its transatlantic debut.
The aircraft, registered as AC413, flew from Montreal to Toronto with 182 passengers on board. It will make several more domestic short-haul trips this week before its inaugural international flight on June 15, from Montreal to Toulouse, France.
Air Canada is now officially the first operator of the A321XLR in Canada, and the second in North America.
Airline officials said the type will support network growth, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.
“The entry into service of the first Airbus A321XLR marks a transformative moment for Air Canada and the beginning of an exciting new era for our customers, industry partners, and colleagues,” Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president, chief commercial officer, and president of cargo, said in a news release. “Today, we celebrate an aircraft that will unlock new destinations, improve service on existing markets, and enhance the onboard experience.”
AC413 is the first aircraft in Air Canada’s fleet to come with the carrier’s new “Glowing Hearted” interior preinstalled. The layout includes 14 lie-flat seats in Signature Class – a first for single-aisle aircraft among Canadian carriers – and 168 Economy seats. Every seat features seatback 4K OLED IFE screens with Bluetooth audio and power outlets for personal devices, the airline said.
Air Canada took delivery of its first A321XLR in April. The variant will be used mainly on transatlantic routes from Toronto and Montreal, as well as on North American transcontinental service.
Air Canada will acquire a total of 30 -XLRs – 15 leased, and 15 purchased directly from Airbus.
