British Airways’ owner IAG is to introduce its low-cost long-haul brand Level from Paris – replacing its existing Open Skies airline.
Level, which launched from Barcelona earlier this year, will operate from Paris Orly from July 2018 with flights to Montreal, New York, Guadeloupe and Martinique.
IAG said that Level’s Paris flights will be operated by staff currently working for Open Skies, which will continue running Orly-New York flights until the end of summer 2018. Open Skies was originally launched by British Airways in 2008.
Willie Walsh, IAG’s chief executive officer, said: “Barcelona was always a first step and we’re delighted to launch flights from our second European city with four exciting new routes from Paris.
“Like Barcelona, Orly is a Vueling hub which means that customers will be able to fly there from other parts of Europe to connect onto Level. We will also benefit from the local experience and knowledge of the OpenSkies team.”
Level will base two Airbus A330-200s at Paris Orly, which will offer 293 economy and 21 premium economy seats. Those booking premium economy will also receive benefits such as checked luggage plus a free cabin bag, meals, seat selection and the latest movie releases.
The brand is also to expand at Barcelona with the introduction of a new route to Barcelona, starting on March 28, 2018, in addition to existing flights to Buenos Aires, San Francisco (Oakland) and Punta Cana, plus a summer-only service to Los Angeles.