Originally Posted by
JustSomeGuy1978
I think the issue, or at least the way I see it, is. If the 321's were configured with a more wide body like J, PY, Y layout, AC would be limiting itself on what routes it can, or wants to, fly the 321 on. Such a layout would be fine on TATL routes to Europe, fine, but what happens when AC wants to fly the 321 on secondary trans continental routes like YWG-YYC/YOW/CUN where AC doesn't necessarily market it's premium NA Business Class service. Rather than running more than one configuration for the aircraft, they probably figured it was easier to just stick with a single more leisure friendly configuration.
Then there's the issue of fewer seats meaning less RASM.
I mean AC uses NA business class service + PY service on TCon and Carribean routes too, they don't have any problem marketing and selling those. You don't need an A321XLR flying YOW/YYZ or YWG/YYC.
And fewer seats != less RASM. If they can fly full PY is some of the best RASM in the sky, and the PY load factors that I see on AC flights are very high.