Is the wave of long-haul low-cost airlines flooding the European market? In any case, the latest strategic announcement by the IAG group foreshadows a sharp rise in the phenomenon. On 17 March, the parent company of British Airways, Iberia and Vueling confirmed the launch of Levela low-cost carrier based in Barcelona.
Level's first flights will take place on 1st Junein the direction of Los Angeles. The Cité des Anges will be served twice a week. Operations to San Francisco (Oakland) kick off the following day. Punta Cana follows on 10 June, then Buenos Aires (17 June).
Prices will start at 99 euros These include hold baggage, meals, seat selection and videos, while cabin baggage is included in the price of the ticket. Access to Internet is also on the menu. It will cost €8.99.
So things are moving very quickly for this new player in the rapidly changing European airspace. For the record, the new airline already has its own Wikipedia page and a relatively comprehensive website. And we know everything - or almost everything - about the resources allocated to Level. The company will use Airbus A330 new, equipped with 293 seats in economic class. A premium class is also planned, with 21 seats. The crews will initially be drawn from the Iberia workforce, before a recruitment plan which should generate 250 jobs based in Barcelona.
The Catalan airport has therefore been chosen as the starting point for the new carrier, but European expansion is already on the roadmap unveiled by IAG.
" LEVEL will become IAG's fifth airline, alongside Aer Lingus, de British Airways, d'Iberia and Vueling "reminds Willie Walshthe airline group's CEO. " It will complement our existing portfolio and further diversify our customer base. (...) [Level] will benefit from the strength conferred by the backing of one of the world's largest airline groups. "he warns.
