Avianca Airlines reconfigures interior of 104 Airbus A320s in under two years

Avianca Airlines, the Colombian flag-carrier, successfully completes interior reconfiguration of 104 Airbus A320 aircraft in just under two years. This colossal task, accomplished with the help of over 1,500 in-house technicians, allows the airline to now offer 20% more capacity and reduce CO2 emissions per passenger by an impressive 15.35%.

Each of the 104 Airbus A320 aircraft will now feature 180 seats, distributed across three classes: “Premium, Plus, and Economy.” The airline anticipates that these upgraded aircraft will enable them to maintain competitive prices, accommodate more passengers per flight, alleviate airport congestion, and contribute significantly to reducing CO2 emissions.

Avianca’s President and CEO, Adrian Neuhauser, expressed immense pride in this milestone achievement, which many considered overly ambitious given the tight timeframe and in-house approach. He credited the dedication of the more than 1,500 experts from their Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) department, along with the support of partners like Recaro, the seat manufacturer, and Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer. Despite facing challenges like the pandemic, the war in Europe, and supply shortages, the project successfully progressed towards completion.

The reconfiguration of Avianca’s fleet not only enhances their efficiency and competitiveness but also aligns with their business plan’s objectives, ultimately striving to become “an Avianca for everyone.”

In line with their market expansion strategy, Avianca plans to continue adding A320 aircraft to its fleet. Although some will initially have a different configuration, they will undergo the reconfiguration process during 2023.

Yohan Closs, Vice President of Services for Airbus Latin America & the Caribbean, praised Avianca’s commitment to preparing for increased traffic levels, despite the challenges faced by the industry. The selection of Airbus’ SpaceFlex Next Generation for over 100 A320 aircraft is an unprecedented achievement, especially considering the retrofits were completed and returned to service during a supply chain crisis.

Avianca’s successful reconfiguration project marks a significant step towards offering improved cabin experiences and better inflight amenities for passengers as the airline looks forward to a brighter and more sustainable future.