IAG Levels With Paris, Ends OpenSkies

International low-cost carrier bases at Paris Orly with four international routes.

IAG’s experiment with intercontinental luxury service will come to an end, in favor of low-cost service to Paris from four international cities. In a press release, the airline conglomerate announced the launch of Level from Paris Orly Airport (ORY), at the expense of British Airways’ OpenSkies.

In what will become a role reversal for current IAG staff based at ORY, business class airline OpenSkies will fly their final flights to New York and Newark by July 2018. In their place, low-cost imprint Level will base two Airbus A330-200 aircraft at the secondary airport, launching four inaugural routes: Montreal and New York in North America, and Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean.

ORL will become the second base for the low-cost carrier, which offers a la carte air travel service targeting millennials and low-cost travelers. With the expanded service, the airline is positioned to compete with other trans-Atlantic low cost carriers, including Norwegian Air and WOW Air.

“LEVEL’s Barcelona operation has been an incredible success,” Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said in a statement. “Barcelona was always a first step and today we’re delighted to launch flights from our second European city with four exciting new routes from Paris.”

Current OpenSkies employees will transfer to the expanding airline brand. Walsh expressed his appreciation that Level will benefit from “the local experience and knowledge” of the airline team.

New service is expected to begin in July 2018, with airfares currently on sale beginning at around $117 one way. Amenities which Level flyers can purchase include checked luggage, seat selection and meal service, and can earn Avios with each flight.

[Photo: Shutterstock]