INTERNATIONAL Airlines Group (IAG) will expand its low-cost brand LEVEL into trans-European markets, revealing plans for an Austrian subsidiary with 14 routes out of Vienna.
The British Airways parent group announced overnight LEVEL would start short-haul services on 17 Jul with flights to London Gatwick and Palma, Majorca.
Another 12 routes will be introduced over the following four weeks, including flights from Vienna to Barcelona, Ibiza, Venice, Paris CDG, Milan, Bilbao and Dubrovnik.
Until now the start-up brand has focussed on long-haul routes, operating from Barcelona to points including Los Angeles, Punta Cana and Buenos Aires.
It is also preparing to open a Paris Orly base next month, with flights to destinations including Montreal and Newark.
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said the new short-haul subsidiary would provide more choice for European travellers.
“These flights will be branded as LEVEL to build upon the huge success of our new long-haul, low-cost operation,” he said.
Flights will be operated by four Airbus A321 aircraft fitted with 210 Economy seats.
Frequencies will range from two to 14 services per week, with other destinations including Malaga, Sardinia, Larnaca, Alicante and Valencia.
Source: traveldaily