Aviacionline reports how Avianca has unveiled plans to massively improve its long haul business class product. Not only will be we see the entire fleet of Dreamliners retrofitted with new seats, but the airline is also upgrading its soft product. This is fantastic news!
New Avianca business class seats coming in 2027
Avianca currently has a fleet of 16 Boeing 787s, which make up the carrier’s long haul fleet. I’ve reviewed Avianca’s 787 business class, and it’s totally okay, but also uninspiring. That’s expected to change.
Starting in 2027, the airline will introduce a new business class hard product across its Dreamliner fleet. The airline will continue to have reverse herringbone seats, but they’ll be suites with doors, and will be significantly upgraded all-around.
As you’d expect, the seats have much nicer design, and more modern tech, ranging from charging options, to 19″ 4K entertainment screens, to bluetooth audio.
While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, it looks to me like this new seat is the Collins Aerospace Elements product, which I rank as being among the best business class seats in the world.
Starlux Airlines was the launch customer for this product on its A350s, though you’ll also find these seats on Etihad’s newest 787-9s, Royal Jordanian’s 787-9s, and Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ER Aria Suite product is even based on this concept. Again, I could be wrong, but that’s what the product looks like to me.
Avianca upgrading business class service & amenities
It’s not just the hard product that’s getting an overhaul, but Avianca also plans to improve its business class soft product.
We’re talking about everything from a revamped dining experience, to new amenity kits, to the introduction of pajamas, to Meridian noise-cancelling headphones.
The airline is also training flight attendants in a program specifically for business class hospitality and etiquette, in order to improve service. Avianca is also in the process of installing Wi-Fi throughout its Dreamliner fleet.
I’m always delighted when an airline has a glow-up, so I’m impressed by what Avianca is going for here. When I last flew Avianca’s 787 business class, I was disappointed because I felt like such little effort was put into the little touches that make an experience great. It just felt like one of those situations where if a little more thought went into everything, it would make a material difference in terms of customer perception.
I think what particularly disappointed me is that Avianca had already been marketing how “INSIGNIA” was its greatly upgraded business class soft product, but there just wasn’t much substance to it. Every change that Avianca is making here reflects what I felt were shortcomings with the experience, so I can’t wait to fly Avianca again when this product is in service. Avianca is run by a very smart team, so I’m rooting for them…
Bottom line
Avianca has big plans for its long haul business class. Starting in 2027, the airline plans to introduce business class suites on its 787s, with an upgraded reverse herringbone product. Expect better tech, 19″ 4K monitors, bluetooth audio, and more.
On top of that, Avianca is upgrading its business class soft product, with new dining and amenity kits, plus the introduction of pajamas. These are all positive changes, so I look forward to learning more as the launch approaches.
What do you make of Avianca’s business class plans?
I flew Avianca 787 Economy yesterday from Paris to Bogota. Embarrassing: food was inedible, drinks selection ridiculous for a 10 hour flight & some of the most lazy & disinterested crew I have ever experienced in years of flying.
Idk about how “premium” they are, but they sure are starting to charge a premium price! Was looking for a J fare on AV for around 1200 for a status run and they are now asking for over 2-3k for a one way from BOS! Back then, you could get a one way to GRU, SCL, etc for 1100-1300 which would be just enough to qualify for Star Alliance Gold if you transfer enough points in
Partner award space has also been deteriorating, MAD used to be wide open in business but is now getting pretty difficult.
Ever since oil prices went crazy after the start of the war on Iran, LM award pricing on AV's own metal has skyrocketed (so have cash fares). E.g., I'm seeing cash fares from North America to Northern South America well above 2500 USD around Christmas in coach, one way!
Oh, and partner awards are almost non-existent along with their promos to buy miles.
Partner J awards on all programs is deteriorating. See AS, Aeroplan, etc. It's brutal right now. For those that do find it, enjoy it while it lasts!
Looks good sure
But I’ve been screwed by Avianca and I’m sure others as well.
Booked and paid a premium for a 787, only for an equipment swap to a 320 on a 6 hour flight.
Mind you it’s not a one off, the schedule remains as a 787 and continually gets swapped to narrow bodies.
Very common when you’re going from South America to North America.
The thing is...
Looks good sure
But I’ve been screwed by Avianca and I’m sure others as well.
Booked and paid a premium for a 787, only for an equipment swap to a 320 on a 6 hour flight.
Mind you it’s not a one off, the schedule remains as a 787 and continually gets swapped to narrow bodies.
Very common when you’re going from South America to North America.
The thing is if I chose Avianca and paid more intentionally to be on a 787, it leaves a very sour taste in my mouth.
And oh the catering looks nothing like the picture.
Their business class hot entrees onboard the A320s look really bad in my experience. The only redeeming thing I've experienced so far is their desserts (which I have always enjoyed and found very creative).
You know what’s weird for me. Besides Cathay and Starlux, most airlines who adopt the Collins elements product never use the full space for the screen and just leave it as a massive border which kinda just looks weird for me. So kudos to Avianca for being the third airline to use most of the space
Alert, you doing like a ‘UVB-76’ on here? Because, your random phrases (and as ‘Albert’ on VFTW) seem like ‘code words’…
The beardey in the first photo is wearing a very beat-up shirt .
"The beardey in the first photo is wearing a very beat-up shirt ."
And girl food. Don't forget girl food.
Was pleasantly surprised with my BOG-MAD flight in July.
Only wished they would provide pajamas. But than i read here from someone on a MDE-MAD flight a few weeks after mine, they have already started providing pajamas.
Mi mom flew in June in the opposite direction: no pajamas, no wifi, ok(ish) food. But upon landing at BOG, she went to pick up her bag at the baggage claim and, instead, staff brought it to her personally. She was thrilled.
Is it just me or does that meal look generated
So, what you’re saying is… “that (guy) back there is not real”? (Gomas, 2023)
Absolutely, look at the 4th prong (L to R) of the fork...
Between the salad and the bread is a round brown cake of soap .
That’s actually one of the new collectionable salt & pepper shakers, there’s 4 and each has a different city design and color on them
About time. Narrow-body, 3-3, Economy seat with middle-blocked, on 6+ hour redeyes wasn't 'great'... glad to see actual investment in true 'premium' hard-product.
Great! need better products in central/south america
Definitely need better products. The problem with Avianca is the service. No phone communication. Terrible messaging/whattsup service, awful airport experience and don't even start with the onboard lack of service. I still fly them when they offer the best price and flight times in "business" but with clear expectations.
it seems everyone is standardizing on these
Because they’re good? Or because they’re certified and available…?
But do they have in-suite fax machines?