Flying Level: British Airways owner IAG is launching a new low-cost, long-haul airline from Barcelona
British Airways owner IAG has announced plans for a new low-cost, long-haul airline called Level that will take to the skies in June 2017.
The new carrier will fly from Barcelona to Los Angeles, San Francisco (Oakland), Buenos Aires and Punta Cana.
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To start with, it will be operated by Iberia's flight and cabin crew and will create up to 250 jobs based in Barcelona.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "Level is an exciting new IAG airline brand which will bring a stylish and modern approach to flying at prices that are even more affordable. It will benefit from having the strength of one of the world's largest airline groups behind it."
Level becomes IAG's fifth main airline brand along with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
"Barcelona is Vueling's home base and this will allow customers to connect from Vueling's extensive European network onto Level's longhaul flights," Walsh added, saying his future plans envisage greater expansion across Europe.
Fares will start from €99 (£86) and go on sale today.
Those after checked luggage, meals, seat selection and the newest movie releases will need to opt for premium economy. However, those travelling in economy can chose what they want to buy based on a menu of choices.
Low-cost, long-haul carriers have been making waves as demand grows for cheaper international flights.
The president of long-haul giant Emirates, Tim Clark, recently described the presence of the likes of Norwegian, Lufthansa and Air Asia as a "gathering storm", as the low-cost carriers make inroads on the inter-continental routes around which it has built great success.
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Ryanair, meanwhile, has been plotting trips to America in a tie-up with Norwegian, to allow customers to book cheap flights from a range of UK airports to places such as New York, Boston and New Jersey with Norwegian. Customers will have to transfer at connecting airports though.