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USDOT approves IAG's airline LEVEL for transatlantic flights
Policy
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LEVEL airline | Simple Flying

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted LEVEL an exemption to fly to the US and codeshare with Iberia on flights to the country. This decision enables the low-cost long-haul airline to commence its services across the Atlantic Ocean.

In an order, the DOT approved LEVEL’s request for an exemption to fly to the US in accordance with the US and European Union (EU), Iceland, and Norway Air Transport Agreement. However, this approval comes with several conditions, including requiring the Spanish airline to provide evidence “that it holds a homeland license for that new service” unless it had already done so.

Other conditions include compliance with specific Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts and contacting the EU departure airport’s International Industry Representative (IIR) to confirm whether the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has deemed the airport safe.

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Considering that LEVEL will be based at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), which has several year-round and seasonal services to the US, these conditions should not pose significant issues. However, if LEVEL intends to operate flights from a non-EU country, DOT approval would be required beforehand.

The DOT concluded that approving this exemption is in public interest, stating that "the Spanish carrier is financially and operationally qualified to engage in flights between EU and US" and meets ownership requirements set out in the US-EU Air Transport Agreement.

“In view of above,” said DOT officials, “we find that grant of requested exemption authority to LEVEL, as conditioned, for a two-year term or until requested permit authority becomes effective whichever occurs earlier is warranted. ”

In December 2024, LEVEL requested an exemption to operate regular passenger and cargo services from any point within EU to US. Additionally, they sought approval for a codeshare agreement with Iberia allowing LEVEL to display IB designator code on its flights operated towards USA while Iberia requested LL designator code being displayed on its European routes.

“LEVEL and Iberia request additional exemption authority," their application read,"to collectively use ‘LEVEL’ trade name for up-to one year or until all LEVEL-branded aircraft have migrated from Iberia’s AOC [air operator’s certificate – ed. note] TO LEVEL’S AOC. ”

At time of application both airlines noted despite having unique designator codes work was ongoing establish independent sales marketing other service related activities fast possible “When holding out marketing such flight sales distribution channels disclose applicable marketing carrier operating carrier Iberia flights being operated FOR LEVEL” said representatives

Iberia Will Offer More Seats To The United States This Summer Iberia will offer daily flights To Washington With The A321XLR Posts2 Initial codeshare destinations In their application Iberia And LEVEL Two now-independent Spanish Airlines Owned By International Airlines Group IAG Also Detailed Their Initial Transatlantic Codeshare Routes From Barcelona Madrid Barajas Airport MAD Including Iberias Which Are Displayed Below Photo Great Circle Map Meanwhile Levels Codeshare Network Will Only Cover Flights From Barcelona To Boston Logan International Airport BOS Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport EZE Los Angeles International Airport LAX Miami International Airport MIA San Francisco International Airport SFO Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport SCL Ch-aviation data showed In Addition Two Owned Airbus A330-200s Registered As EC-NRG EC-NNH Wet Leases Five A330-200 Aircraft From Iberia Related New Single LEVEL Plans More US Flights While No New Destinations Planned Next Few Years Chief Executive Promised Additional Frequencies Posts6

Organizations Included in this History
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