In news that can be filed as “not totally unexpected” LEVEL (International Airlines Group low-cost long haul offshot) is to commence short-haul services from Vienna.
The launch is due to commence on the 17thh July. – just under three weeks from today.
Interestingly, when you try and book – you’re directed to Vueling’s site (also an IAG company).
LEVEL Austria’s home page. Very Vueling.
LEVEL is targeting 17 destinations in its launch phase including:
Destination Frequencies Start Date Palma 7 17 July 2018 London Gatwick 14 17 July 2018 Barcelona 7 23 July 2018 Malaga 3 30 July 2018 Venice 7 31 July 2018 Olbia (Sardinia) 3 31 July 2018 Ibiza 3 7 Aug 2018 Paris CDG 13 11 Aug 2018 Milan Malpensa 13 11 Aug 2018 Dubrovnik 4 11 Aug 2018 Larnaca 3 11 Aug 2018 Alicante 2 11 Aug 2018 Valencia 2 12 Aug 2018 Bilbao 3 13 Aug 2018
It seems that IAG are following through with their plan to expand their operation out of Vienna after unsuccessfully bidding for Niki.
The airline will use 210 seater Airbus A321 aircraft, with flights will operate from Terminal 1 in Vienna airport. Four aircraft will be based at the airport (all of which are ex-Air Berlin).
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive on the launch of LEVEL getting its operators certificate and route launch plan states:
“We are launching this new shorthaul subsidiary to provide Austrian consumers with more flight choices across Europe. These flights will be branded as LEVEL to build upon the huge success of our new long haul low-cost operation.
We will serve the Austrian market with low-cost, reliable flights and will initially create around 200 new jobs at our Vienna base.”
19 days from gaining an operators certificate to the airline having passengers in the air is… ambitious. The planes are currently being painted up and prepared for service for the launch operation.
WIth lead-in fares starting at €24.99 one way, there’s going to be a few bargains to be had.
However, With LEVEL muscling its way into Vienna, we have a classic fare-war brewing. Low cost carriers have been swarming over to Vienna, with LaudaMotion (which is backed by Ryanair), WizzAir, Eurowings (Lufthansa Group) and even EasyJet all setting up bases at the airport.
This could get very messy, fast.
Bookings are open at https://www.flylevel.com/austria
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