Air Canada Deploys Its A321XLR on Lyon–Montreal Route


Air Canada a mis en service son Airbus A321XLR sur la liaison Lyon–Montréal - Photo : Air Canada

CroisiEurope


Air Canada renforce sa desserte de Lyon. La compagnie a effectué, le 8 septembre 2026, le premier vol de son Airbus A321XLR entre Lyon-Saint Exupéry et Montréal-Trudeau, une liaison opérée depuis 2016.

The aircraft will be deployed on the route until October 25, 2026, at a maximum of five flights per week. It will then be temporarily replaced by an Airbus A330 during the winter season, before a return of the A321XLR expected in summer 2027.

With the A321XLR, Air Canada introduces on this connection its new cabin Glowing Heart, featuring 14 lie-flat seats in Signature Class and 168 seats in Economy. All seats come equipped with a personal entertainment screen and a power outlet.

Members of the Aeroplan loyalty program also benefit from fast and free Wi‑Fi on board.


Montréal comme porte d’entrée vers l’Amérique

Beyond the direct link, Air Canada bets on its Montréal hub to develop connections from Lyon. The airline states it offers more than 250 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

For travelers destined for the United States, Montréal’s U.S. preclearance allows immigration and U.S. customs formalities to be completed before departure to the United States. Passengers can thus arrive on American soil as if on a domestic flight.

This connectivity makes the Lyon–Montreal route a strategic axis for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, both for leisure markets and for the business segment.

The introduction of the A321XLR also fits into Air Canada’s fleet renewal strategy. Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport highlights the environmental performance of this next-generation aircraft, presented as more efficient and with lower CO₂ emissions than previous generations.


Amelia Brille Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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Amara Nambinga

Amara Nambinga

I write about tourism, culture, and emerging destinations with a Namibian perspective. Through my articles, I try to highlight the places, people, and travel stories that show how Africa and the wider world are changing.