Avianca to Install New Business-Class Suites on 787s

Avianca is adding new Insignia business-class suites to its fleet of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The carrier announced the rollout, which begins in 2027, during an event in Bogotá, Colombia.

According to the airline, each of its 787s will be fitted with 20 of the new suites. These will feature sliding doors for increased privacy and a fully lie-flat seat. Francisco Raddatz, chief procurement officer for Abra Group, Avianca's parent company, stated the goal is to provide a more comfortable and private experience for passengers.

Suite Features and Amenities

The new suites will debut on flights from Colombia to Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, and New York-JFK. A key technological upgrade is a new in-flight entertainment system with 4K screens. This system will allow passengers to pair their own Bluetooth headphones, though the airline will also provide new Meridian noise-cancelling headsets.

Amenities for Insignia passengers have also been refreshed. The airline is introducing pajamas designed by Colombian brand Maaji and amenity kits from Mola Sasa. Dining will feature dishes inspired by Latin American flavors, served on newly designed tableware.

"These initiatives are part of our ongoing work to transform the travel experience for our customers," said Avianca President Gabriel Oliva in a news release. He described the changes as reflecting a commitment to service excellence and personalization.

Network and Lounge Updates

Avianca is also enhancing its ground services. Insignia passengers, along with Mango members and LifeMiles Diamond members, will receive priority check-in at Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport. The airline separately announced a renovation of its International Gold Lounge at El Salvador International Airport, with work scheduled for completion early next year.

Francisco Raddatz confirmed the carrier is exploring further lounge opportunities. Avianca currently operates 12 lounges across its network in Colombia, the United States, and El Salvador.

Premium Cabin Offerings

Beyond the new long-haul suites, Avianca markets a regional premium cabin called Business Class Americas. This product is available on routes across the Americas, including international flights and domestic routes within Guatemala, Colombia, and Ecuador. It is situated in the first three rows of the aircraft.

The Business Class Americas experience includes a wider seat, onboard dining, and amenity kits on international flights longer than four hours. Passengers also receive lounge access, two checked bags, a blanket, and a pillow. Raddatz expressed satisfaction with the product's reception, calling it superior to the standard found on narrowbody aircraft in the region.

Fleet and Service Investments

Avianca is continuing to expand Wi-Fi across its Airbus A320 fleet. Chief Commercial Officer Otto Gergye reported that connectivity is now available on 25% of the narrowbody fleet. The carrier also offers its Avianca on Air connectivity and entertainment portal.

Investments extend to the economy cabin. The airline includes a carry-on bag and provides complimentary meals and beverages on all flights. Gergye specifically noted that on flights longer than three and a half hours, economy passengers receive a proper meal, not only a snack.

U.S. Market Focus

The United States is a critical market for Avianca. The airline currently serves 14 U.S. Cities, including Washington Dulles, Miami, New York-JFK, and Los Angeles. Avianca claims to be the largest international airline at New York's JFK airport, operating more than 80 weekly flights on nine routes to Central America, Ecuador, and Colombia.

The carrier reported carrying more than 4.9 million passengers to and from the U.S. In 2025 across over 34,200 flights. Otto Gergye emphasized the region's importance, stating that Avianca operates between 450 and 500 weekly flights to North America, including Canada, depending on the season.