Aircraft Interiors International joined Air Canada for the inaugural flight of its first Airbus A321XLR. This was a regular scheduled revenue flight: flight AC413 from Montréal to Toronto, in June 2026.
Air Canada’s first A321XLR (C-GXLR) waiting to perform its inaugural revenue flightCelebrations at the gate before flight AC413 took off. There were some brief speeches by Mark Galardo, EVP and CCO at Air Canada; Colin Bole, SVP customers, North America at Airbus; and Yves Beauchamp, president and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal. “Today, we celebrate an aircraft that will unlock new destinations, improve service on existing markets, and enhance the onboard experience,” said GalardoEvery av geek’s favourite! Here we have MSN 12696. Photo: Adam GavineA welcoming crew and a maple leaf-inspired lighting feature in the A321XLR entrance area. This is an Airbus ‘full-flex zone’ than enabled Air Canada to optimise the seating, galley and lavatory spaces to suit its needs. Photo: Adam GavineAir Canada has strived to near a widebody business-class experience in the A321XLR Signature Class suitesThe XL overhead stowage bins help make boarding quick and stresslessThe Signature Class suites were designed in partnership with Acumen Design AssociatesAir Canada has chosen the Aurora platform from Collins Aerospace for the A321XLR business class. Aurora is in a herringbone configuration. Photo: Adam GavineThe privacy divider between each Signature Class seat can be lowered. Photo: Adam GavineThe privacy divider between the seats in the lowered position. Photo: Adam GavineThe privacy divider between the seats in the closed position. Photo: Adam GavineThe view from the suite with the 19-inch Panasonic Astrova IFE display deployed. Photo: Adam GavineThe bi-fold meal tray half deployed. Photo: Adam GavineThe meal tray fully deployed. Being a brand-new seat, a little pressure was required to activate some features. Photo: Adam GavineThe suite features a maple wood-effect trim and a quartzite-topped side table. Photo: Adam GavineThe feature lighting highlights the maple trim and a quartzite table surface. Photo: Adam GavineSoft textiles in the suite. Photo: Adam GavineA useful space for stowing and charging devices during flight. Photo: Adam GavineA customised reading light. Photo: Adam GavineThe last row of Signature Class features a branding panel. Photo: Adam GavineA floor-level stowage pocket. Photo: Adam GavineThe seat controls are nicely integrated. Photo: Adam GavineThe adjustable armrest features a UB-C charging port. There is also a wireless charging pad below. Photo: Adam GavineThe adjustable armrest in the stowed position. Photo: Adam GavineTransitioning from business class to economy class. The monument incorporates stowage for the class divider curtainEven the emergency floor path markings match the carpet. It looks like STG’s PatternMatch system. Photo: Adam GavineThe Air Canada A321 XLR economy cabinAir Canada selected the Meridien+ seat from Collins AerospaceThe front row of the economy cabin. Photo: Adam GavineThe view from seat 14E, with the feature-packed seatback. There is a small amenities tray that can be folded down to become a device holder. Photo: Adam GavineThe amenities tray can be closed to hold small items. Photo: Adam GavineThe view from seat 14D in economy. The sculpted ceiling and XL bins help make a comfortable long-haul narrowbody experience. Photo: Adam GavineNot just any route being shown on the Panasonic Arc map: the route of the A321XLR inaugural flight. Photo: Adam GavineThe A321XLRs feature the first bi-fold meal tables in Air Canada economy classAir Canada’s first A321XLR taking off from MontrealAnd as a special treat for enthusiasts, the Air Canada A321 XLR safety card. Photo: Adam GavineThe back of the safety card. Photo: Adam Gavine
Adam loves air travel, and since taking on the Aircraft Interiors International brand he has really enjoyed the opportunity to be involved with the latest aircraft and airline products before they are even launched. Adam co-ordinates the growth of the brand platform, and sits on various events and awards panels, including the Crystal Cabin Awards, and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) & International Flight Services Association (IFSA) Awards
