The IAG International Airlines Group has formally unveiled its new low-cost, longhaul carrier, LEVEL (Barcelona El Prat), during a presentation ceremony in Barcelona on Friday, March 17.
According to chief executive Willie Walsh, the carrier will launch in June using a pair of new A330-200s featuring twenty-one seats in Premium Economy and 293 in Economy class. ch-aviation understands the aircraft in question are EC-MOU (msn 1777) and EC-MOY (msn 1784).
"LEVEL will allow customers of Vueling Airlines' extensive network to connect with long-haul flights from Barcelona El Prat," he said.
Maiden destinations from Barcelona El Prat will include Los Angeles International (June 1), Oakland International (June 2), Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (June 10), and Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini (June 17). One-way Economy class flights to Los Angeles and Oakland will start at EUR99 (USD105) while those to Punta Cana and Buenos Aires will start at EUR149 (USD158). Similarly, Premium Economy fares to all destinations are priced from EUR599 (USD635).
Though Walsh did not comment on the matter, Spanish media continue to report IAG's full-service Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) unit will form the basis for LEVEL. This month, management was able to reach a labour agreement with Iberia's unions over a reduced pay structure critical to the new project's success.
