Air Canada has presented its long-haul cabin designs for its upcoming Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner fleets at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
On April 14, 2026, Air Canada described the new business class products as a “distinctly Canadian experience rooted in comfort, care, and connection” and promised “a new experience for all customers”.
Under Air Canada’s new ‘Glowing Hearted design’ standard, both the new A321XLR and 787-10 aim to introduce an upgraded, premium journey within a “modern space that evokes a sense of calm”.
“This investment is about fundamentally redefining the experience of flying with Air Canada. From the moment of stepping on board, we’re setting a new standard for how Canadians and the world connect with our brand,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and COO at Air Canada.
Airbus A321XLR
Air Canada is set to welcome the first of its 30 Airbus A321XLRs in the coming months and with the latest announcement there is a much clearer picture of what passengers can expect when they step inside.
In a first for a Canadian single-aisle aircraft, the A321XLR will feature lie-flat seats for an Air Canada Signature Class experience.
Operating on new trans-Atlantic routes and across more of its North America transcontinental network, each A321XLR will include 14 lie-flat seats and a 4K OLED IFE screen with Bluetooth audio.
The 14 Aurora business class suites are Collins Aerospace products and will be installed at the front of the aircraft while 168 Meridian+ main cabin seats will fill out the economy cabin.
According to Collins, the “proprietary shape and installation angle of the Aurora suite conforms to the exact dimensions of the XLR” which maximizes passenger space and provides an extra row of premium seating.
“Aurora is designed to provide a widebody business class experience on single-aisle aircraft, offering passengers the comfort, space and privacy expected on long-haul flights,” said Cynthia Muklevicz, Vice President of Global Airlines and Lessors for Collins Aerospace. “By integrating the suites, monuments and galley space into a unified architecture, we’re able to make better use of the cabin footprint while maintaining passenger comfort and the service capabilities airlines need to deliver a true premium experience.”
Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Air Canada has said its upcoming Boeing 787-10s will have 42 business class seats which includes four Signature Plus Suites.
Air Canada Signature Plus is a new and exclusive suite at the front of the aircraft, designed for customers seeking an “elevated experience with extra space”.
All four suites include a larger two-meter bed, quartzite-topped table and a dedicated guest seat, with more space for personal items and a higher wall for additional privacy.
The suites in the center of the aircraft also offer companion seats for use while inflight. The two center suites also feature a fully retractable sliding privacy panel, maximizing sociability for up to four customers travelling together.
The other 38 business class seats include lie-flat beds in a 1x2x1 configuration with leather grain finishes and bespoke fabric with signature red stitching. A sliding privacy panel for center seats allows for both sociability and privacy.
The Boeing 787-10s will also have 28 premium economy seats and 262 economy seats.
Across both aircraft types
Air Canada’s new Glowing Hearted design standard will deliver a range of upgrades for every customer, including:
- All-new ergonomic seats designed to maximize personal space with built-in tablet holders, and larger overhead bins.
- Significantly larger 4K OLED screens and Bluetooth audio available for all customers.
- Access to high-powered USB-C and AC power outlets at every seat, ensuring laptops and all personal devices stay fully charged.
- Air Canada Premium Economy cabins will also feature new extended privacy wings for added comfort.
“Details matter: we listened closely to feedback and challenged ourselves to create an experience defined by a strong Canadian sense of place, alongside a commitment to craftsmanship, functionality, and long-term durability. This investment in the care and comfort of our customers is a key element of our New Frontiers growth strategy to become one of the world’s leading airlines,” added Nasr.