British Airways Owner Poaches Flybe Executive to Run Low-Cost Carrier Level

British Airways parent company International Airlines Group has raided UK regional airline Flybe to be the new boss of its long-haul, low-cost airline Level.

The appointment marks another step forward for the relatively new carrier, which only started flying in June last year.

Flybe’s chief strategy office Vincent Hodder will become the carrier's first CEO in September. Hodder has also worked at low cost carriers such as Jetstar in Australia and Asia and VivaAerobus in Mexico.

Level started flying from Barcelona last year with services to Boston, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles and San Francisco. This month the airline began operations from Paris Orly to Montreal and Guadeloupe. Flights to New York (Newark) and Martinique will follow in September. Level's fleet of A330-200s will number seven aircraft next year.

“We’re delighted to appoint Vincent as Level’s chief executive. He has extensive experience in the aviation industry and an in-depth understanding of the low-cost business model. I have no doubt that he will continue to build upon Level’s positive momentum," said Robert Boyle, IAG’s director of strategy..

Hodder added: “Level is a start-up that is already performing really well. It’s more than just a start-up airline brand, it’s a new concept that uses technology to provide customers with control over the way they travel and has the lowest possible costs. I’m really excited to join the team in building on the initial success as we create great value for our customers and allow them to access their world in a new way."