Last summer I flew Avianca for the first time from Madrid to LA via Bogota. I used my LifeMiles which is the frequent flyer of Avianca to redeem on a one way Business Class ticket which cost about 50,000 LifeMiles. Although the route is a bit out of the way, but I get to fly on 2 new Boeing 787-8 and trying out a new airline so why not!
Avianca have 2 daily flights from Madrid to Bogota. I flew out in the morning flight which connect well with the LAX flight later in Bogota.
I arrived rather late at check-in at Terminal 4 of Madrid. It was empty! I was given Fast Track access through security.
Avianca use Iberia Lounge for its premium passenger, you can see the lounge review (photo impression) here.
Here are some pictures of the Avianca Boeing 787-8 Business Class interior. It has 2 sections with total of 28 seats (20 seats in 1st section and 8 seats in 2nd section)
I think the best seat is row 6, the bulkhead seat in the 2nd section.
I received welcome drink (Pina Colada), menu, Tumi branded amenity kit. In addition a packaged blanket/quilt is already placed on the seat.
I have very good impression of Avianca so far, everything is on par to those 5 star international carriers' Business Class product.
Business Class was only about 50% full. Here are a few picture of the B787 takeoff taken by me from Row 6 and 4 window respecitvely. I love the red color engine!
Avianca have a good in-flight entertainment (IFE) with lot of english title movies. I watched a few and lunch was served about half way into the 9 hours flight.
I have an excellent roast beef cheek in red wine sauce with smoke tuna salsa as appetizer. Dessert was a simple Haagan-Dazs ice cream. Overall, the food was decent.
I have a few hours of good sleep on the full flat bed with a very comfortable quilt. Before landing, flight attendant came around to present every Business Class passenger a special gift; a packet of Colombian coffee!
