Air Canada has announced that lie-flat seats will soon be available on smaller single-aisle aircraft for the first time in Canada, marking a significant upgrade for premium travellers.
The airline says it is acquiring 30 new Airbus A321XLR jets, each equipped with 14 Signature Class seats that recline 180 degrees into fully flat beds.
The new aircraft are expected to begin entering service over the coming years and will be used on longer routes, including transatlantic flights from Montreal and Toronto, as well as key North American transcontinental routes.
According to the airline, the A321XLR will also feature a quieter and more comfortable cabin compared with older aircraft models, giving passengers a long-haul experience on a narrower-body plane.
The move reflects a growing trend in airline cabin redesigns as carriers compete for premium and economy travellers alike.
WestJet previously announced plans to reconfigure cabins on dozens of Boeing 737 planes, including new seating tiers and more capacity, though some proposed changes were later revised after customer backlash.
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand recently revealed plans to launch its Economy Skynest concept on some long-haul Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights, offering bunk-bed style rest areas for economy passengers.
For Air Canada, the introduction of lie-flat seats on a smaller aircraft could appeal strongly to business and leisure travellers looking for premium comfort on long flights without requiring larger wide-body jets.