Air Canada’s New A321XLR Business Class:
Transatlantic Comfort Redefined
News
By PrestigeFly
Air Canada has unveiled its all-new business class cabin for the Airbus A321XLR, set to revolutionize narrow-body transatlantic travel when deliveries begin in 2025. Here’s why this matters for discerning flyers.
The Cabin: Premium Narrow-Body Innovation
✈️ Seat Specs (Collins Aerospace MiQ)
- 22-inch width (wider than most A330 business seats)
- 44-inch pitch with zero-gravity recline
- Full privacy dividers (industry first for single-aisle)
- Wireless charging + 17-inch 4K screens
🌍 Route Strategy
City PairFlight TimeCompetitor ComparisonMontreal-Geneva | 7h20m | Beats Swiss’ A220 business
Toronto-Edinburgh | 6h50m | Superior to BA’s A320neo
Vancouver-Dublin | 8h10m | Only non-stop option
PrestigeFly First Look Verdict
✅ Wins On:
- Non-stop convenience (vs. connections on wide-bodies)
- Privacy (beats 737 MAX business cabins)
- Tech (best inflight entertainment in class)
⚠️ Limitations:
- No lie-flat seats (unlike A330s)
- Limited storage (narrow-body constraints)
Pro Tip: Book Row 1 for extra legroom (+8 inches).
The Bigger Picture
Air Canada’s move signals:
✔ More point-to-point premium routes
✔ Pressure on European carriers to upgrade
✔ Potential for US transcon premium cabins
Compare Narrow-Body Business Classes
AirlineAircraftSeat TypePrivacyAir Canada | A321XLR | Zero-G Recline | Full Divider
United | 757-200 | Lie-Flat | None
British Airways | A320neo | Recliner | Minimal
Explore More
🔗 Air Canada’s Official A321XLR Page
🔗 Best Transatlantic Business Class (The Points Guy)
🔗 Why Narrow-Bodies Are Going Long-Haul (CNN)