Collins Aerospace and Air Canada Equip A321XLR With Aurora

Collins Aerospace and Air Canada said they will outfit Air Canada’s Airbus A321XLR aircraft with seating solutions from Collins Aerospace. The changes include lie-flat business class suites in the front cabin and economy seating for the remainder of the aircraft.

Air Canada’s new A321XLR fleet will be furnished entirely with Collins' seating solutions, with 14 premium Aurora business class suites installed at the front and 168 Meridian+ main cabin seats in the economy cabin. Collins said the Aurora suites were revealed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

Collins described Aurora as custom and lie-flat, with an industrial design, trim, and finish customized by Air Canada alongside Collins and Acumen. It said Aurora uses a proprietary shape and installation angle that conforms to exact XLR dimensions to maximize passenger living space, provide an extra row of premium seating, and expand galley capacity for catering volume needed for long-haul service.

Collins said Meridian+ incorporates design principles from widebody solutions and uses a contoured architecture to reclaim additional area for Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS), knees and elbows. It said the seat diaphragm articulates to flex and adapt for comfort, while Air Canada selected enhanced seatback options for stowage, inflight entertainment, and personal power supply. Cynthia Muklevicz said, “Aurora is designed to provide a widebody business class experience on single-aisle aircraft, offering passengers the comfort, space and privacy expected on long-haul flights,” and “By integrating the suites, monuments and galley space into a unified architecture, we're able to make better use of the cabin footprint while maintaining passenger comfort and the service capabilities airlines need to deliver a true premium experience.” John Moody said, “Our primary goal was to elevate the in-flight experience by creating a space that feels exceptionally inviting and highly personal,” and “With the Aurora suite, we are setting the standard through the thoughtful use of space, technology, bespoke materials and finishes. Our meticulous attention to detail offers our customers a true retreat.” The first of 30 A321XLRs will enter service this spring, and customer demonstrations of Aurora and Meridian+ were held this week at Aircraft Interiors Expo.