LEVEL begins a new stage as an airline and starts operating with its own IATA code “LL”

02/12/2025

• LEVEL’s first flight with the IATA code “LL” took place on December 1 on the Barcelona–New York route (LL2627), marking the beginning of its autonomous operations.
• LEVEL continues to consolidate its position as Barcelona’s leading long‑haul operator, with a 16% market share.

LEVEL is entering a new stage as an airline. As of this week, it has begun operating with its own IATA code “LL”, a new milestone in the company’s history that will drive its growth and consolidate its position as one of the benchmark long‑haul airlines operating from Barcelona. With this achievement, LEVEL — which was born in 2017 as a commercial brand operated by Iberia — completes its process of operational autonomy as one more airline within International Airlines Group (IAG).

This process began with the acquisition of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in December 2024 and has continued throughout 2025 with the progressive management of operational permits to fly to the United States, Argentina, and Chile — countries where LEVEL currently operates — granted by the state authorities of each nation.

In June 2025, LEVEL also reached a new milestone by obtaining IOSA Registration, an international recognition that certifies the airline meets the highest standards in safety and operational management, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and air safety.

BCN-JFK: First LEVEL flight with the IATA code “LL”

December 1 was the date on which the airline began operating its flights with its own IATA code “LL”. Specifically, this first flight was LL2627 between Barcelona and New York (JFK), departing at 18:45. This flight represented much more than an operational change: it was the visible reflection of the airline’s evolution and the beginning of a new stage in which it will autonomously manage all its operations and gain further momentum to continue growing.

For customers, this change will only be visible through bookings and official flight documents. From now on, the code that begins with “LL” will accompany flight numbers, identifying LEVEL as the operating airline.

“This is a historic moment for LEVEL and for the entire team. Beginning operations with our own IATA code ‘LL’ is the result of a year of effort, dedication, and collective commitment following the acquisition of our Air Operator Certificate (AOC). We have demonstrated that we are capable of evolving, taking on new challenges, and consolidating ourselves as an independent, efficient, and innovative airline. This gives us the drive to take on new challenges and to continue strengthening long‑haul operations from Barcelona, connecting the city with the world and offering our passengers an accessible, customizable, and competitive experience”, states Rafael Jiménez Hoyos, CEO of LEVEL.

A year of expansion with more team and consolidated leadership

LEVEL’s growth is also reflected in the evolution of its team. Over the past year, the airline has increased its workforce by 750%, incorporating its own crews and strengthening various departments to face this new stage. This increase in human and organizational capacity allows LEVEL to operate more efficiently and respond agilely to the sector’s challenges.

This internal development accompanies LEVEL’s consolidation in the market. In 2025, the airline maintains its leadership in long‑haul operations from Barcelona, with a 16% market share at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport.

The company will continue its expansion plan, aiming to consolidate its position as an efficient, innovative, and customer‑oriented airline. Additionally, LEVEL reaffirms its commitment to developing long‑haul connectivity from Barcelona, maintaining its mission to connect the city with the world directly and non‑stop.

Dalí, a nod to Catalan cultural heritage

In the operational sphere, LEVEL has chosen a radio callsign that pays homage to Catalan cultural heritage — each airline uses a callsign to identify itself in its radio communications with control centers and air navigation services. LEVEL’s callsign from now on will be “Dalí”. This choice is not accidental; it honors the airline’s roots, a value that forms part of LEVEL’s identity. In this way, the company reaffirms its connection with Catalonia, the city of Barcelona, and its commitment not only to connect it but also to project it to the world.

About LEVEL

LEVEL is IAG’s long‑haul airline and one of the group’s six airlines, along with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Iberia Express and Vueling. It began operations in June 2017 and offers highly competitive fares with a differentiated and personalized experience through its Fly Your Way value proposition. LEVEL aircraft feature Premium and Economy cabins, allowing

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