Avianca in 2027 plans to start retrofitting the business class cabins of its Boeing 787s with new doored mini-suites from Collins Aerospace and 4K OLED-based Astrova inflight entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity from Panasonic Avionics, as part of a wider premium push by the Bogotá-based airline.
In the process of rolling out SES’s multi-orbit inflight connectivity on Airbus A320 Family aircraft, the carrier will also progressively bring SES-powered Wi-Fi to the rest of its fleet, though it’s not yet ready to share whether the new 19” Astrova seatback displays for INSIGNIA will ultimately be connected to the Internet.
Avianca currently operates 16 Boeing 787-8s twinjets on flights to New York and major European destinations. “The rollout of the new INSIGNIA cabin is expected to begin in 2027. The implementation will take place progressively as Avianca coordinates the program with its suppliers,” an Avianca spokeswoman tells Runway Girl Network.
Suppliers on the refurbishment program include Collins Aerospace, which is providing the new INSIGNIA doored mini-suites with lie-flat seats, she confirmed after sharing renderings of a reverse herringbone product that features some of the telltale attributes of Collins’ latest-generation Elements platform.
In addition to the “new and enhanced features” of the more-private seat, Panasonic Avionics’ latest inflight entertainment technology including larger 4K high-definition screens and Bluetooth connectivity “will deliver a more immersive, seamless, and personalized experience on board,” Abra Group chief procurement officer Francisco Raddatz said in a statement published on the socials.
Avianca is presently confirming where the 787 retrofit work will take place, and says it plans to share additional information once final details are available.
Even so, after investing in its lounges, loyalty program, and overall product including for the Americas, the Abra Group airline’s premium ambitions are now clear.
“At Avianca and GOL, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience. INSIGNIA embodies that vision, aiming to exceed the expectations of our most discerning customers on every flight and in every detail,” says Abra Group CEO Adrián Neuhauser.
That’s also why the Star Alliance member intends to bolster the INSIGNIA soft product and dining experience with new pajama and slipper sets designed by Maaji, Meridian noise-canceling headphones, and renewed tableware.
Additionally, the INSIGNIA experience will feature Mola Sasa amenity kits developed with artisans from the Chimichagua community and complemented by Loto del Sur products, as well as a refreshed culinary offering inspired by Latin American flavors.
The changes are being welcomed by industry stakeholders, travelers and journalists alike, the latter of whom seem to be in general agreement that the current 787 business class product is in need of an update.
Regarding fleet-wide Wi-Fi adoption, the carrier has been rolling out SES’s electronically steerable antenna (ESA)-based multi-orbit IFC offering on its A320 Family aircraft.
And more broadly, the Abra Group has tapped SES to bring the solution to more than 100 aircraft within the group, including Boeing types. Notably, Boeing has already developed an aerodynamic shroud to house ESA hardware on 787 aircraft, and SES is in line for full offerability on the twinjet.
“SES is the connectivity provider for the onboard Wi-Fi offering. Avianca is progressively implementing Wi-Fi across its fleet, beginning with its A320 aircraft and additional details will be shared as the connectivity rollout progresses,” the Avianca spokeswoman tells RGN.
Related Articles:
- Avianca rolls out SES multi-orbit IFC on A320 Family twinjets
- Boeing stays flexible to support ESA installs for next-gen IFC
- Collins Aerospace herringbone: the evolution of Elevation to Elements
- Press Release: Avianca opens Diamond International VIP lounge
All images credited to Avianca
