Over eight hours: Air Canada's new Airbus A321XLR joins world's longest narrowbody flights

The upcoming Air Canada route between Montreal and Palma de Mallorca is scheduled at up to eight hours and fifty-five minutes. Data from previous years indicates that fewer than 15,000 passengers traveled between Canada and Palma in 2024. With nonstop flights now available, Air Canada aims to boost traffic through direct service as well as promotions targeting US travelers who accounted for over 110,000 passengers on similar routes last year.

Palma’s only other long-haul connection is United Airlines’ Newark-Palma route, which started in 2022 with seasonal four-weekly service using a Boeing 767-400ER. According to data from the US Department of Transportation, United filled about eighty-four percent of seats last year.

Iberia will soon launch its first South American flight using an A321XLR from Madrid to Recife beginning December 13. The carrier will resume Fortaleza service one month later. Both Brazilian cities were previously served by Iberia’s widebody aircraft but have not been part of its network for fourteen years. The reintroduction highlights how single-aisle jets like the A321XLR enable airlines to open thinner long-haul markets with lower costs compared to traditional widebodies.

Iberia continues expanding its reach with these aircraft due in part to their efficiency and ability to serve destinations that would otherwise be unviable without high passenger demand or larger planes.

"Iberia: XLR from October 26, 2025. Daily," states information regarding Madrid-New York JFK operations.

"Air Canada: new route, beginning June 17, 2025. Four weekly," confirms details about Montreal-Palma de Mallorca flights.

"Iberia: returning route, restarting on December 13, 2025 (last served on the A340 in 2011). Three to four weekly," outlines plans for resuming Madrid-Recife service.