**Air Transat Expands Quebec–France Routes with A321LR, Shifts Away from US Market** Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat has launched two new seasonal routes from Quebec City to Marseille and Nantes, operated by the Airbus A321LR. The Quebec–Marseille service began on May 21, 2026, with weekly flights on Thursdays through October 9, 2026. The Quebec–Nantes route will start on June 2, 2026, with weekly Tuesday flights until October 20, 2026, and a return for the holiday season from December 23, 2026, to January 13, 2027. These routes aim to capture both summer leisure traffic and year-end travel flows between Quebec and western France. **Strategic Shift and the A321LR** According to Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat, these new links are part of a diversification strategy from Quebec City, responding to growing interest in distinctive European destinations. The A321LR, a next-generation long-range narrowbody, is central to this transatlantic strategy. It offers reduced fuel consumption and sufficient range for non-stop flights from Quebec City, with a cabin designed for long-haul comfort, including individual screens, French-language content, meals, and a 12-seat Club Class for premium passengers. **Reducing US Capacity, Refocusing Internationally** Air Transat has significantly reduced its capacity to the United States in recent months, as leisure demand has been affected by political tensions, immigration issues, visa policies, and shifting perceptions of the US in Canada. This "Trump effect" has dampened Canadian and European travel to some US destinations. In response, Transat is reorienting its network toward more promising markets, including the Caribbean, Southern Europe, and other growing leisure destinations. The new routes to Marseille and Nantes leverage the strong traffic between Quebec and France, as well as the cultural affinity between the two regions. **Economic and Tourism Impact** For Quebec City's Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB), these new European routes are a growth driver. Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB, noted that the existing Quebec–Paris direct route generated CAD 33 million in tourist spending in the region in 2025, and expects the new routes to further boost these benefits. The routes also reinforce Quebec City's role as a gateway for French and international tourists. French Consul General in Quebec, Éric Lamouroux, welcomed the new non-stop links, stating they open up the diversity of French territories to Quebec travelers. **MyATPS Angle for ATPL and ATC Students** For ATPL students, this case study illustrates how airlines use fleet planning (A321LR) to open new thin routes profitably, a key consideration in airline management and operational planning. ATC students can analyze the seasonal scheduling and slot coordination at YQB and French airports, as well as the impact of geopolitical factors on route networks. Understanding these dynamics is essential for future aviation professionals navigating a rapidly changing industry.