Air Canada Launches Airbus A321XLR Flights to Palma de Mallorca

Air Canada’s New Airbus A321XLR Service to Palma de Mallorca

Air Canada plans to introduce the Airbus A321XLR on its new route from Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) in June 2026. Tickets are currently available for this route. This aircraft will be the first narrow-body in Air Canada’s fleet to offer lie-flat business class seating, accommodating a total of 182 passengers, including 14 business class seats. Deliveries for the A321XLR started in the first quarter of 2026, and the aircraft will also be used on future routes to Toulouse and Edinburgh.

Flight Schedule and Deployment

The flights to Palma de Mallorca will run four times per week from June 17 to October 24. Additional A321XLR aircraft will be incorporated into Air Canada’s operations throughout the year, covering routes from Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, and other smaller Canadian markets. The airline aims to enhance its long-distance capabilities with a jet offering lower capacity to suit these routes.

Strategic Use of the Airbus A321XLR

The introduction of this route illustrates Air Canada’s strategy to utilize the A321XLR’s long-range capacities and premium seating options to cater to high-demand leisure destinations from Montreal while also improving services on medium-haul European flights. This move allows Air Canada to service markets with strong summer demand, offering attractive travel deals.

From a strategic standpoint, the A321XLR enables Air Canada to explore routes between cities that lack the volume needed for widebody aircraft. With its widebody-like range and improved onboard services, the A321XLR presents new global opportunities. According to Chief Operating Officer Mark Galardo, this transition signifies an exciting phase in Air Canada’s international expansion, starting with Palma de Mallorca.

Operational Details

The Montreal to Palma service will be offered with 168 economy seats and 14 premium lie-flat business seats. This seat configuration maximizes revenue opportunities. The flight schedule optimizes overnight eastbound and daytime westbound services.

The flights will depart Montreal on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with returns the following afternoon.

Market Impact

This announcement shows Air Canada’s careful management of its network, though it had minimal immediate effect on its stock, which decreased 0.8% following the announcement, amid general market trends of declining airline stock values due to rising fuel costs and economic forecasts.