Avianca, the flag carrier of Colombia, has developed an evolution of its Insignia international business class that serves flights between Latin America, Europe and New York. In 2027, the airline will begin retrofitting a new design of suite on its Boeing 787 aircraft with a higher level of privacy and comfort.
Avianca worked with PriestmanGoode, the London-based studio, on the design of the new Insignia cabin, as well as a new brand identity for Avianca.
The new Insignia is built on a platform seat model with 180-degree lie-flat bed. The suite will include a door for privacy from the aisle, a divider for greater privacy between the centre doubles, a large meal table, a 4K high-definition IFE screen, and Bluetooth connectivity.
PriestmanGoode has created a new colour, material and finish (CMF) scheme for the Insignia cabin, to developed with four design themes in mind: ‘luxurious and unique’, ‘purposeful details’, ‘crafting modernity’, and ‘local provenance’.
The colour palette moves away from Avianca’s previous bold brand reds toward a softer, more refined palette more suited to a long-haul cabin environment. Warm neutrals and a secondary monochromatic palette are grounded by rich earth tones, with the Avianca red applied as a subtle accents. Metallic details in bronze run throughout the cabin, adding warmth and a sense of quiet luxury.
You can see a video of the new cabin design HERE.
Local craft and provenance from Colombia have shaped every material decision in the cabin, with insights drawn directly from an immersion trip taken to Latin America by the PriestmanGoode CMF team as part of the design process.
Textures inspired by straw work and traditional basketry appear across cabin surfaces, referencing artisanal techniques, while pattern work inspired by woven structures brings an architectural, hand-crafted quality to the space. Even the stitching of the seat’s dress cover takes cues from the skies of Colombia, tracing the swooping form of the condor that is part of Avianca’s brand mark.
Service elements
Avianca is also enhancing the inflight service for Insignia. Guests will enjoy inflight amenities including Meridian noise-cancelling headphones; a pyjama and slipper set designed by Maaji; and an amenity kit created in partnership with Mola Sasa, inspired by the work of the women artisan community of Chimichagua and featuring products from Loto del Sur.
A new inflight dining menu created by renowned chefs Álvaro Clavijo, from El Chato, and Rafael Buitrago, from Elvia Barichara, will also be served, inspired by Latin American flavours and biodiversity. The offering also includes Home Burgers options on flights from Bogotá and Medellín to Europe, as well as Castello Monte Vibiano products on routes departing from Europe. New tableware is also being introduced.
