TORONTO — Air Canada has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, marking a key milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization and network growth strategy.

The next-generation single-aisle aircraft, delivered in Hamburg and leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, is the first of 30 A321XLRs slated to join the carrier’s fleet in the coming years, with 15 leased and 15 purchased directly from Airbus S.A.S.

The A321XLR is designed to operate longer routes more efficiently, enabling Air Canada to explore new transatlantic and transcontinental city pairs.

“The Airbus A321XLR introduces a dynamic new component to Air Canada’s growth strategy, greatly expanding our flexibility to launch new international routes and improve our offering on existing markets,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada.

“Equipped with a quieter, more comfortable cabin when compared to previous generation aircraft, this game-changing aircraft will shortly be deployed across the Atlantic from Montréal and Toronto, while also becoming a staple on key North American transcontinental.”

The aircraft introduces Air Canada’s new “Glowing Hearted” cabin design, featuring upgraded in-flight entertainment with larger screens and Bluetooth connectivity, personal device power at every seat, and fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members. In a first for the airline, the A321XLR will also offer Signature Class on a single-aisle aircraft, with 14 lie-flat seats.

Pending certification from Transport Canada, the aircraft will enter service and be integrated progressively into Air Canada’s schedule, with plans to deploy it across the Atlantic from Montréal and Toronto while also supporting key North American transcontinental routes.

The delivery forms part of Air Canada’s broader fleet renewal strategy focused on improving customer experience, operational resilience and fuel efficiency. In addition to the A321XLR program, the airline has firm orders for Airbus A350-1000 aircraft starting in 2030, Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, and continues to take delivery of Airbus A220 aircraft built in Canada, along with leased Boeing 737 MAX aircraft introduced this year.