Air Canada announces A321XLR debut with Montreal-Palma de Mallorca route

Air Canada will introduce its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, with Palma de Mallorca selected as the inaugural destination. The new nonstop service between Montreal and the Spanish island is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with tickets already available for purchase.

The Montreal-Palma de Mallorca route, which are just over 3,280 nautical miles (6,000 km) apart, marks the first time a Canadian carrier will offer direct flights to the Balearic Islands. The move is part of Air Canada’s strategy to expand its transatlantic network using the A321XLR, which combines extended range with single-aisle economics.

The Airbus A321XLR is configured to accommodate 182 passengers, including 14 business class seats that convert into fully flat beds. The aircraft is designed to support medium- to long-haul operations, enabling Air Canada to serve routes previously unviable with narrowbody jets.

In addition to Palma de Mallorca, Air Canada will deploy the A321XLR on flights from Montreal to Toulouse and Edinburgh in 2026. The Montreal-Edinburgh service, which will be relaunched with the new aircraft, is expected to feature an upgraded onboard product compared to previous years.

Air Canada is leasing 30 Airbus A321XLRs, with the option to receive up to 10 additional aircraft of the same model in 2026. The airline plans to gradually introduce the type on routes from other Canadian cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax, as more units are delivered.

The introduction of the A321XLR represents a fleet modernization step for Air Canada, allowing the company to target secondary European markets with nonstop services from Canada. For passengers, the new aircraft will offer updated cabin amenities and lie-flat seating in business class.

Additional route announcements are expected as Air Canada receives further deliveries of the A321XLR.

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