Air Canada (AC, Montréal Trudeau) has disclosed in its quarterly financial report that it has increased its A321-200NX(XLR) order book by four units to a total of 30.

"We have also advanced our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals in the quarter by announcing an order for 26 fuel-efficient Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which we have now increased to 30 aircraft. As well, we have recently entered into a long-term agreement with International Aero Engines for the selection of the PW1100G-JM engines, spare engines and related maintenance services for these new aircraft," President and Chief Executive Michael Rousseau said.

The incremental order was signed shortly after the initial commitment - Air Canada ordered the initial batch of twenty-six A321-200NX(XLR)s in late March 2022 comprising six directly from Airbus, fifteen from Air Lease Corporation, and five from AerCap. The incremental four will come directly from the manufacturer. Air Canada revealed it holds a further 15 purchase rights for the type, an increase of one.

Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2024, with the final aircraft to arrive in 2027.

"Our announcement of the acquisition of thirty Airbus A321XLRs is a good example of Rise Higher [strategy] in action, with all four pillars working in a coordinated fashion. The fuel efficiency of these aircraft will reduce operating costs. Their long range opens new market opportunities internationally," Rousseau added during the investor call.