International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced the appointment of Rafael Jiménez Hoyos as the new CEO of LEVEL, IAG's long-haul airline based in Barcelona. The appointment will take effect on October 1, with Hoyos succeeding Fernando Candela, who is retiring after a distinguished career within the Group, including his roles as CEO of LEVEL, Chairman at Iberia, Director of Transformation at IAG, and CEO of Iberia Express.
Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, remarked: “With Rafael Jiménez Hoyos joining us as CEO of LEVEL, we are once again drawing on the exceptional talent within our Group. Rafael has played a key role in achieving Iberia's operational excellence and its status as one of the world's most punctual airlines. LEVEL will now continue its growth and expand its global connections from Barcelona. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Fernando Candela for his remarkable contributions since joining LEVEL in 2019 and his recent work on the Group's transformation plans and Iberia leadership.”
Previously, Rafael Jiménez Hoyos served as Chief Operating Officer of Iberia, a role he has held since 2013. His extensive experience also includes positions as Director of Flight Operations at Iberia Express and Vueling, and roles in Quality and Operational Safety. He is a graduate of the Spanish Air Force Academy and has served as an A320 commander and examiner. His career includes roles as a commercial pilot with clickair, Vueling, Iberia Express, and Air Nostrum, as well as military service as a combat pilot in the Spanish Air Force.
LEVEL is pursuing an ambitious growth plan as part of the Group's strategy, aiming to expand its fleet to eight aircraft by 2026 from its current six. The airline is also working towards obtaining its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). LEVEL has reported a double-digit operating margin and maintained a punctuality rate of over 85% in 2023.
This financial year, LEVEL has increased capacity to destinations including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston, and has introduced a new route to Miami. In Latin America, it is bolstering routes to Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires. By 2024, LEVEL will offer nearly one million seats, nearly doubling its 2019 capacity. LEVEL has become the leading long-haul operator at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, significantly enhancing Barcelona's status as a major international hub.
