Air Canada opts for 26 extra long range Airbus A321s

Air Canada plans to deploy single-aisle aircraft on transatlantic routes from 2024 with an order for 26 extra-long range (XLR) Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The narrow body A321XLRs will carry 182 passengers in a configuration of 14 lie-flat seats and 168 in economy.

With a range of approximately 8,700 kilometres and an ability to fly for up to 11 hours, the A321XLR can operate non-stop anywhere across North America.

The twinjets can also serve transatlantic routes, pending Transport Canada approval for overseas operations.

The aircraft will be used both for incremental growth of Air Canada’s fleet and to replace older, less-efficient aircraft expected to exit the fleet.

Fifteen will be leased from Air Lease Corporation, five will be leased from AerCap and six are being acquired under a purchase agreement with Airbus that includes purchase rights to acquire an additional 14 of the aircraft between 2027 and 2030.

Deliveries are due to start in the first quarter of 2024 with the final aircraft to arrive in the first quarter of 2027.

Chief executive Michael Rousseau said: “Air Canada is committed to further strengthen its market-leading position, especially through investments in new technology.

“The acquisition of the state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR is an important element of this strategy and will drive our core priorities of elevating the customer experience, advancing our environmental goals, network expansion and increasing our overall cost efficiency.

“This order also shows that Air Canada is emerging strongly from the pandemic and is ideally positioned to grow, compete and thrive in a reshaped global aviation industry.”