Air Canada Drops New A321XLR From Transatlantic Route Before First Flight

Air Canada had announced plans to replace its wide‑body jet on the Toronto‑London corridor with a brand‑new Airbus A321XLR, a move that would have marked a shift toward fuel‑efficient single‑aisle aircraft on a top‑tier transatlantic route. The carrier’s schedule filings initially listed the A321XLR on flight AC852, suggesting a new era for North American carriers handling high‑density trunk routes. Within a few months, Air Canada reversed the decision, removing the narrowbody from the timetable and reinstating twin‑aisle Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner service. The change was made to preserve high‑density seat inventory and premium belly‑freight capacity, key revenue drivers on the route. The swift reversal underscores the challenges of balancing fuel efficiency with passenger and cargo demand on long‑haul flights.