Air Canada and Air Transat Launch Montreal Routes Today — Canada Expands European and African Networks

Air Canada and Air Transat are launching transatlantic service from Montreal today, June 17, 2026. It’s a milestone moment—Canada’s first A321XLR operations take flight, and the nation gains its only nonstop link to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Air Canada is inaugurating Montreal–Palma de Mallorca service with four weekly flights using the Airbus A321XLR, making it only the second North American carrier on the route after United Airlines. The seasonal service runs through October 23, 2026, with economy tickets starting from CAD $780 one-way or 60,000 Aeroplan points.

At the same time, Air Transat launches Montreal–Dakar twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays with Airbus A321LR aircraft. It’s a historic route—the first and only nonstop service between Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa. The route operates through October 21, 2026. The A321LR carries 199 seats total: 12 Club Class and 187 economy.

Air Canada’s A321XLR Deployment

Air Canada took delivery of its first A321XLR on April 24, 2026, in Hamburg, from lessor SMBC Aviation Capital. The aircraft, registered C-GXLR, represents the opening delivery against a firm order for 30 A321XLRs—15 leased and 15 purchased directly from Airbus—that the airline placed in March 2022. It holds options for an additional 10 aircraft through 2032.

The A321XLR delivers 4,700 nautical mile range with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared to prior-generation aircraft. Air Canada’s configuration seats 182 passengers: 14 fully lie-flat business class seats and the rest economy. Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan engines power the aircraft, which debuts Air Canada’s new “Glowing Hearted” cabin standard.

Air Canada announced the 3,280-nautical-mile Montreal–Palma route on September 9, 2025. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the timing feels momentous. “The wait is nearly over as the imminent arrival of the game-changing Airbus A321XLR marks the next phase of international growth at Air Canada. This revolutionary narrow-body aircraft unlocks new, exciting global opportunities with its wide-body range and enhanced onboard product,” he stated.

He continued: “By leveraging the unique capabilities of the A321XLR, Air Canada becomes the first Canadian airline to offer flights to this Spanish island, renowned for its stunning beaches, history and culture.”

Air Canada also operates the A321XLR on domestic routes beginning May 1, 2026. European destinations include Toulouse (year-round), Edinburgh (seasonal), Berlin, and Nantes. From Toronto, the carrier plans four A321XLR routes: London Heathrow (daily from August 31), Copenhagen (3x weekly from October 27), Manchester (4x weekly from October 25), and Tenerife South (2x weekly from October 25).

Air Transat’s Dakar Expansion

Air Transat announced the Montreal–Dakar route on November 13, 2025. The carrier received regulatory clearance following a February 23, 2026, technical meeting between Senegal’s National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency (ANACIM) and Canadian aviation authorities to finalize operational arrangements.

Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Air Transat, emphasized the significance for diaspora communities. “We are proud to be the only Canadian airline connecting Canada to Sub-Saharan Africa. This new flight between Montreal and Dakar responds to a strong connection: that of the Senegalese diaspora in Quebec and travellers eager to discover Senegal’s rich culture. By offering this non-stop route, we are making travel easier for those who, until now, had to take long layovers in Europe,” he said.

The 3,386-nautical-mile route follows strengthened bilateral air transport cooperation authorized in March 2026, which permits direct flights between Canada and Senegal. Air Transat was named 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax and operates over 45 international destinations on its summer 2026 schedule. The carrier plans additional Montreal–Istanbul nonstop service launching December 15, 2026.