Monday, June 9, 2025

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has given LEVEL historic permission to operate flights into the US, representing a milestone in the airline’s growth in the transatlantic market. The permit also brings with it a codeshare alliance with Iberia, with LEVEL in a position to provide customers with greater connectivity as well as more affordable long-haul travel opportunities. In gaining backing from the DOT as well as through the new partnership with Iberia, LEVEL is well-positioned to revolutionize traveling across the Atlantic, providing customers with seamless, affordable journeys between Europe and America.

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved LEVEL, the low-cost long-haul carrier, for operations to the US, granting it a significant exemption that allows the airline to not only begin flying across the Atlantic but also codeshare with Iberia on flights between Europe and the US. This approval marks a pivotal moment in LEVEL’s expansion plans, providing the airline with greater access to the American market and enhancing its ability to offer competitive long-haul services.

LEVEL’s approval to operate flights to the US includes several key conditions. One of the primary stipulations is the airline’s compliance with specific provisions outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Additionally, LEVEL must coordinate with the International Industry Representative (IIR) at the EU departure airport to confirm whether the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has certified the airport as safe for operations to the US.

Given that LEVEL will primarily operate from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)—which already hosts several year-round and seasonal flights to the US—the airport’s certification by the TSA should not pose an obstacle for LEVEL’s planned services. However, if LEVEL were to consider expanding operations to the US from a non-EU country, the DOT would require prior approval for those routes.

The DOT’s approval was not only based on public interest but also on the fact that LEVEL meets the necessary financial and operational qualifications to fly between the US and the EU. The carrier has successfully demonstrated that it complies with the ownership criteria stipulated under the US-EU Air Transport Agreement, ensuring it can operate in this vital market while fulfilling the required operational standards.

This approval comes as a boost to LEVEL, allowing it to expand its transatlantic network and further solidify its position as a competitive player in the growing low-cost long-haul travel segment. The DOT’s endorsement of LEVEL underscores the airline’s readiness to enter the US market and its adherence to international aviation regulations.

In December 2024, LEVEL officially requested an exemption from the DOT to operate transatlantic flights, including carrying both passengers and cargo on regularly scheduled services from any EU destination to the US. Alongside this request, LEVEL sought approval to enter into a codeshare agreement with Iberia, its sister airline under the International Airlines Group (IAG). This codeshare agreement would allow LEVEL to display Iberia’s designator code on all its flights to the US, offering a seamless connection between the two airlines’ services.

Iberia also requested the reciprocal arrangement, where LEVEL’s LL designator code would be displayed on Iberia’s flights from Europe to the US. The codeshare agreement aims to improve the airlines’ cooperative efforts and ensure that both carriers can offer a wider range of options to travelers flying across the Atlantic.

Although LEVEL maintains its own designator code, the airline emphasized its commitment to developing its independent sales, marketing, and operational activities, with a focus on fast-tracking its service offerings in line with its growth trajectory. The codeshare agreement is expected to enhance LEVEL’s visibility and provide its customers with better connectivity options on flights to and from the US.

As part of the codeshare agreement, LEVEL and Iberia outlined their initial transatlantic routes from key European airports, including Barcelona-El Prat and Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD). These initial routes will offer enhanced connectivity between Europe and the US, benefiting travelers from both regions. LEVEL’s codeshare network will include flights from Barcelona to key US destinations, such as:

By leveraging Iberia’s established infrastructure, LEVEL will have access to a broader network, helping to improve its reach and provide competitive options for travelers seeking affordable long-haul flights. Additionally, this partnership allows the two airlines to consolidate their resources and operational capabilities to better compete against other carriers in the transatlantic market.

LEVEL’s existing fleet consists of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft that are part of its owned collection, identified by the registration numbers EC-NRG and EC-NNH. These aircraft play a key role in LEVEL’s existing long-haul operations. However, to meet the increased demand for transatlantic flights, LEVEL also wet leases five additional A330-200 aircraft from Iberia. This arrangement allows the airline to expand its capacity without the need for immediate fleet expansion, providing more flexibility as it ramps up operations.

The A330-200, known for its efficiency and reliability on long-haul routes, will be central to LEVEL’s planned US services. By operating a combination of owned and leased aircraft, LEVEL can manage operational costs while scaling its services to meet passenger demand. This strategic approach positions the airline to efficiently manage its operations as it grows its presence in the US market.

With the DOT’s exemption and the codeshare agreement in place, LEVEL is poised to make a significant impact on the transatlantic low-cost travel market. The airline’s entry into the US is expected to offer passengers more affordable options for long-haul flights, especially between major US cities and Europe. This is especially important in an era when travelers are seeking more budget-conscious alternatives for international travel.

LEVEL’s expansion into the US market is part of a broader trend of increasing competition in the transatlantic low-cost sector. As more airlines recognize the demand for affordable long-haul flights, LEVEL’s strategic focus on building a robust network through codeshares and fleet optimization positions it well for future success.

As LEVEL continues to expand its offerings and solidify its partnership with Iberia, the airline is setting the stage for further growth in the US market. By offering competitive fares, efficient service, and increased connectivity, LEVEL is well on its way to becoming a key player in the transatlantic air travel industry.

LEVEL has been approved by the US Department of Transportation to fly into the US as well as establish a codeshare partnership with Iberia, increasing travel between Europe and North America. LEVEL can expand its operations with this clearance as well as offer low-cost, long-haul flights.

In conclusion, the US Department of Transportation’s approval for LEVEL to fly to the US and the accompanying codeshare agreement with Iberia represent a significant milestone for the Spanish airline. This approval not only enables LEVEL to tap into the lucrative transatlantic market but also enhances its ability to provide passengers with more affordable long-haul travel options. With its growing fleet, strategic partnerships, and commitment to expanding its network, LEVEL is well-positioned to succeed in the competitive world of low-cost long-haul air travel.