Avianca is in the process of installing SES’s multi-orbit, ESA-based inflight connectivity solution on its Airbus A320 Family aircraft, and says Wi-Fi is now available to passengers on 10 twinjets via its ‘Avianca On Air’ entertainment portal.
The fast-growing Colombian carrier, which transported more than 27 million passengers on over 195,000 flights during the first three quarters of the year, is seeing especially strong traffic on flights to and from the United States — with a 5.4% uptick registered during the nine-month period. As such, it understands that onboard Wi-Fi is now table stakes, and that passengers simply expect to be able to connect.
At present, Avianca is progressively configuring the Avianca On Air entertainment portal across its entire A320 single-aisle aircraft family. Onboard Wi-Fi, as powered by SES, is now available on ten of those aircraft, says the Star Alliance member.
Various paid Wi-Fi packages are available. Customers can also access a variety of premium content via the portal using their personal devices, including more than 300 movies, TV series and documentaries.
The airline’s IFC rollout is part of a broader agreement between SES and Abra Group, the holding company for Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air, that will see SES’s multi-orbit IFC brought to more than 100 aircraft in the group, including Airbus and Boeing types. GOL operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, whilst Wamos flies A330s.
“With progressive installation planned, more than 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in the Abra Group fleet are set to offer the SES solution in the coming years,” says SES in a statement.
Regarding Avianca’s Boeing 787s, the carrier says onboard Wi-Fi will ultimately be installed “on all our aircraft.” The 787s are fitted from nose to tail with seatback IFE. Of note: Boeing has developed an aerodynamic shroud to house ESA hardware on 787s.
Ten A320s operated by Abra Group carrier Avianca have already been fitted with SES’s multi-orbit, ESA-based IFC system.
The Ku-band system uses Gilat’s Stellar Blu electronically steerable antenna to support connectivity over SES’s geostationary satellites and Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, for which SES is a distribution partner in aero.
“Abra Group’s commitment to passenger experience will now include consistent reliable, multi-orbit satellite connectivity on its Airbus and Boeing fleet that provides the same fast and dependable internet access passengers enjoy at home no matter where or when they fly,” says Enrique Villasenor, SES vice president of Global Airline Partnerships.
“SES’ partnerships with growing Abra Group airlines like Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air highlight how carriers throughout the Americas are leading the way when it comes to advanced connectivity. SES is the engine that powers inflight connectivity, a trusted partner that makes airline operations easier.”
Avianca’s move to get connected is part of a wider $800 million investment in its fleet and customer experience enhancements. In 2023, the carrier started offering a EuroBiz-styled product — with a twist! — in the first three rows of 104 reconfigured A320 aircraft.
As described by One Mile At A Time, “the center seat has basically been converted into a huge tray. Unlike business class on intra-Europe flights, the airline actually makes the seats wider. That’s because the typical armrests are removed, and the center seat becomes part of the aisle and window seats.”
Initially called Premium, the Recaro-made product is now branded as the ‘Business Class Américas‘ experience.
Offered on international flights from Bogotá, including to Miami, Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and Toronto, the Business Class Américas experience “will be available on 47 domestic routes in Ecuador, Colombia and Guatemala,” from 15 January 2026, says Avianca.
“The experience has also expanded significantly, now offered on more than 80 international routes, and will extend to 18 additional routes, completing coverage across the continent.”
All images credited to Avianca
