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!
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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?
But do they have in-suite fax machines?