IAGthrough its subsidiary Levelis investing in Vienna. La low-costknown mainly for its long-haul routes, has announced the launch of 14 new routes short-haul services from the Austrian capital. The first routes were inaugurated in July, with more to follow by September. It is interesting to note that this is a major change of strategy for IAG. Level is now positioned in the same niche as Vuelingthe group's 'official' short-haul low-cost carrier. This could eventually lead to Level having a short- and long-haul base in Vienna. All Level flights to Europe from Vienna are operated by four Airbus A321 with 210 seats. Flights are marketed under the VK code (for example on Paris-CDG), while other flights (e.g. to Milan Malpensa) are operated under the VY code, used by Vueling.
The number of destinations operated by Level immediately propels the company into third place with 24,000 seats per week - including flights already operated by Vueling. In terms of capacity, it will be just behind Austrian Airlines and Eurowingsboth part of the Lufthansa group, and ahead of easyJet. In fact, Vienna is fast becoming one of the world's biggest cities. Europe's low-cost basesAnd in a capital city at that. Vienna is attractive not only because of its tourist attractions - essential for a low-cost airline - but also because of its economic position. The Austrian capital is a business destination It is a major gateway to the whole of Central Europe, with a population of some seven million living within three hours of the airport. Budapest and Bratislavatwo other capitals. In addition, Vienna airport remains the leading airport in Central Europe for intercontinental services. The Austrian capital is linked to half a dozen routes to North America and a dozen to Asia.
The competition is therefore intense, with not only Level and Eurowings, but also easyJet, Laudamotion (supported by Ryanair) and Wizz Air, which has just opened a base in Paris with five aircraft. It is interesting to note that Vueling and Level will be competing on three routes: Barcelona, Paris CDG and Palma de Mallorca.
Level will therefore offer 84 weekly flights by this winter, the most important routes being those launched to London Gatwick (14 flights a week), Milan Malpensa and Paris CDG (13 flights a week). However, if we include Vueling, the tandem with Level offers up to three daily flights, on a par with Barcelona, which is also served by three daily frequencies. Between Paris and Vienna now fly four airlines, although Austrian remains the largest with 27 weekly flights, followed by Air France with 20 flights. Almost 9,500 seats are offered between Paris and Vienna every week, making this route the seventh busiest on the hub.
Level's expansion comes at a time when Austrian is revising its winter schedule. The carrier is abandoning its long-haul services to Colombo, HavanaHong Kong and Miami. In September it will also close its routes to Isfahan and Shiraz in Iran. However, for business travellers who see Vienna as a good alternative to Asia, the airline is increasing its frequencies to Beijing and Shanghai. In North America, the carrier will be offering more flights to Chicago O'Hare, New York (Newark and JFK) and Toronto.
