Airline Profile: Avianca

The Facts:

If you are wondering why Avianca has so many subsidiaries: they merged with TACA in 2012 which had operations in many other Central and South American countries such as El Salvador or Peru. When Avianca merged with TACA, they renamed all of TACA’s (former) and Avianca’s subsidiaries as Avianca _______ (Country) to keep a subset of the airline registered in that country. I am including all of Avianca’s subsidiaries in this post.

Analysis:

What to Avoid:

Non Retrofit Airbus A330 Business Class: Business class most of Avianca’s Airbus A330s features angle flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. These planes are used on transatlantic flights which can be 9-10 hours long. On such long flights, angle flat seats are not ideal for the amount of money you spend on it. On long haul flights, an airline should at least have flat bed seats in business class. Some of Avianca’s A330s have flat bed seats which are similar to the configuration on the 787, although I am not entirely sure how many do.

What to Fly:

Boeing 787 Business Class: Unlike on the A330, Avianca’s 787 business class features flat bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The model of the seat is the Zodiac Cirrus which are reverse herringbone seats. Since these seats are highly acceptable for long haul flights, if possible fly the 787 instead of the A330. Also, 787s have better air quality and have windows which turn dark (instead of having window shades) than on other aircraft, which can make the 787 worth flying. 

New Business Class on the A330/787 (Photo Courtesy of Avianca)

Travel Classes:

Economy: On all Airbus A330s, Boeing 787s, and on some Airbus A319s, A320s, A321s, and Embraer E190s, economy seats feature personal on demand entertainment at every seat. On select aircraft without personal on demand entertainment, passengers have access to personal device entertainment via the Avianca Entertainment app. On domestic flights (within Colombia, Peru, Argentina, etc…), passengers only receive light snacks and beverages in economy. On international flights, passengers have access to full warm meals. All economy class passengers can check one piece of luggage that is less than 23 kilograms (50 pounds). On Avianca, there is no extra legroom or premium economy section.

I personally flew Avianca economy from Lima to Cusco in 2016. It was a pleasant enough experience, with relatively good food and service for a very short flight. Although my return flight did get cancelled, so my lasting memory of Avianca is not the best.

Business: On all Airbus A320 series aircraft and on Embraer E190s, business class features recliner seats with leg rests in a 2-2 (A320) or 1-2 (E190) configuration. On older A330s, business class features angle flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. On newer A330s and on all 787s, business class features flat bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. All wide body and some narrow body aircraft feature personal on demand entertainment. Passengers receive better food, amenities, bedding, and service than in economy. Business class passengers have access to VIP lounges and partner Star Alliance lounges.

Avianca Business Class on the Airbus A319 (Photo Courtesy of Avianca)

Future Routes:

Bogota – Chicago O’Hare – Begins November 16, 2018

Bogota – Munich – Begins November 16, 2018

San Salvador – Cartagena – Begins November 1, 2018

Guatemala City – Chicago O’Hare – Begins October 29, 2018

Have you ever flown on Avianca? Share about your experience below!