Air Canada adds flights between Lyon and Montreal

Air Canada will add a sixth weekly flight between Lyon-Saint Exupéry and Montréal-Trudeau during the summer of 2027, operating from June 28 to September 4. This increase in service will be provided by an Airbus A321XLR, a long-haul single-aisle aircraft.

More flights for travelers

The additional flight will bring the total number of round-trip flights per week to six, complementing the five previously announced. Air Canada aims to provide more travel options for both business and leisure travelers from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region without offering daily service.

Air Canada's statement on expansion

Jean-François Raudin, France commercial director of Air Canada, stated that the seasonal reinforcement of service between Lyon and Montréal reflects the company’s commitment to offering more travel options. He noted that the sixth weekly service will improve flexibility for summer travel planning and enhance access to Air Canada’s international network through Montréal.

Airbus A321XLR in Lyon since 2026

The Airbus A321XLR has been operating in Lyon since September 2026. Air Canada introduced this aircraft on the route between Montréal and Lyon on September 8, 2026, on a route that was opened in 2016. The A321XLR has a range of approximately 8,700 kilometers and can perform transatlantic flights with a business class cabin.

Air Canada's A321XLR fleet

Air Canada’s A321XLR fleet includes 30 units, with 15 purchased directly from Airbus and 15 leased. The first A321XLR entered regular service on June 9, 2026, on the route between Montréal and Toronto before being deployed on international routes.

Passenger capacity and cabin features

Air Canada’s A321XLR can accommodate 182 passengers in a two-class configuration: 14 in Signature business class and 168 in economy class. The business class seats transform into fully horizontal beds, allowing Air Canada to offer a long-haul business class experience on a single-aisle aircraft.

New cabin design for Air Canada

The single-aisle aircraft features Air Canada’s new "Glowing Hearted" cabin design, which is part of the company’s strategy to modernize its onboard services and position itself as a premium carrier on certain North American routes.

Enhanced onboard features for Lyon route

For the Lyon route, the aircraft includes individual entertainment screens compatible with Bluetooth and fast, free Wi-Fi access for Aéroplan loyalty program members. The seats also have power outlets, a feature previously announced when the aircraft was introduced in Lyon in September 2026.

Montréal as a major gateway

Montréal-Trudeau is a key gateway to Canada and the United States. Air Canada plans to use its Quebec hub to attract travelers heading to other destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

American pre-clearance in Montréal

Montréal-Trudeau has an American pre-clearance facility, where customs and immigration procedures are completed before boarding flights to the United States. This allows passengers to arrive according to the domestic flight circuit in the U.S., though travelers still need the proper documents and authorizations to enter the country.