LEVEL Secures Independent AOC, Expands Fleet for 2025
LEVEL, the low-cost long-haul brand owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), is poised to embark on a new chapter in its evolution. The airline has secured its own air operator’s certificate (AOC), allowing it to operate as an entirely separate legal entity starting in 2025. This milestone coincides with plans to expand its existing fleet, including the imminent arrival of a seventh Airbus A330-200 aircraft within the coming weeks, bolstering its capacity for the busy seasons ahead.
Launched in 2017, LEVEL initially functioned as a subsidiary of Iberia, one of IAG’s cornerstone carriers alongside British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. Until now, the brand has relied on Iberia’s infrastructure and AOC for its flight operations. By obtaining its own AOC, LEVEL will establish independent accounting, operational, and legal frameworks. Such autonomy positions the airline to swiftly adapt to market changes, streamline decision-making processes, and chart its own strategic direction without being tethered to another carrier’s regulatory environment.
Rafael Jiménez Hoyos, who assumed the role of CEO in October 2024, emphasized that LEVEL’s transition to a standalone airline aligns perfectly with the company’s broader vision. He stated, “Securing our own AOC provides us greater agility to achieve strategic objectives. We will continue working to consolidate LEVEL as an efficient, innovative, and customer-focused airline, directly connecting Barcelona with the world without stopovers.”
Currently operating six Airbus A330-200s, LEVEL offers a comfortable two-class configuration with both economy and premium economy cabins, seating between 275 and 311 passengers. The introduction of a seventh A330-200 will enable the carrier to build on its existing route network from Barcelona-El Prat Airport. LEVEL’s portfolio currently includes direct long-haul services to Boston, Buenos Aires, Miami, New York-JFK, Santiago de Chile, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. While Los Angeles and San Francisco remain seasonal routes, the airline has no immediate plans to significantly alter its network. Instead, it will focus on fine-tuning schedules, improving connectivity, and delivering a cost-effective, quality experience to travelers.
The move toward independence also entails adopting a dedicated IATA two-letter code ‘LL,’ along with an ICAO code ‘LVL’ and the “Dali” callsign. This branding shift is expected to take place once LEVEL begins formal operations under its own AOC in 2025. From that point onward, the airline will manage its own crewing, flight operations, and support services. Such a transformation signals a vote of confidence in its long-haul low-cost model, especially as global travel demand rebounds.
In recent years, LEVEL has shown significant growth. Since 2019, the airline has doubled its annual seat capacity to nearly one million seats in 2024. For the forthcoming winter 2024-25 season, LEVEL plans a 9% year-on-year increase in flights to the United States, placing roughly 300,000 seats on sale. In September 2024 alone, LEVEL transported around 627,000 passengers, a 25.2% increase from the previous year, achieving a load factor of 95.3%.
Historically, IAG also operated a short-lived Austrian subsidiary called LEVEL Europe, which closed in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the Spanish-based LEVEL now enters its next phase with renewed autonomy and focus, aiming to carve a distinct presence in the competitive low-cost long-haul market.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Level+Airlines