IAG Launches Long-Haul, Low-Cost Carrier LEVEL
Jackie Reddy June 01, 2017
Based at Barcelona – El Prat Airport (BCN), the airline will serve destinations in North and South America, but IAG says that it is already looking toward future expansion.
LEVEL, the long-haul low-cost carrier established by International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, commenced operations on Thursday, June 1st. The airline’s inaugural service departed from Barcelona—El Prat Airport (BCN) at 3:40 p.m. local time and is scheduled to land in Los Angeles later on Thursday.
From June 2nd, the carrier will commence flights from its Barcelona base to Oakland, California and later this month, LEVEL will expand its service to the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Its fleet will initially be comprised of two A330 aircraft operated by Iberia. In a statement, IAG said that the carrier “is Spain’s first long-haul low-cost operation and is the first step towards LEVEL’s expansion from other European cities.”
Travelers wishing to fly with the carrier can book tickets via its website as well as through the online portals of Iberia and Vueling, LEVEL’s sister operators.
IAG has also explained that “Customers from across Spain and Europe can book flights on both airlines to Barcelona which connect onto LEVEL’s long haul network with a single ticket. LEVEL has also launched a codeshare agreement with American Airlines on flights between Barcelona and the US.”
Speaking at BCN, IAG boss Willie Walsh praised LEVEL’s launch. “This is the start of a fantastic new adventure for IAG. LEVEL’s sales are well ahead of our expectations in all markets. The brand has resonated with a new audience, many of whom are flying long haul for the first time,” he said.
But the carrier, Walsh added, was already looking to the future. “In 2018, LEVEL will increase its fleet to five aircraft and we are considering other European bases for the operation,” he explained.
“We’re really excited about LEVEL which offers amazing fares, stimulating demand by providing people with more choice,” Walsh added.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
