Flybe chief strategy officer Vincent Hodder has been appointed as the first chief executive of IAG budget unit Level.

Hodder – who worked at Jetstar and Viva Aerobus before joining UK regional carrier Flybe – will take up his new role on 5 September.

IAG director of strategy Robert Boyle credits Hodder with "extensive experience in the aviation industry and an in-depth understanding of the low-cost business model", and expects that he will "continue to build Level's positive momentum".

Hodder describes the long-haul low-cost carrier as "more than just a start-up airline brand" adding: "It's a new concept that uses technology to provide customers with control over the way they travel, and has the lowest possible costs."

From its initial Barcelona base, Level operates to destinations in the USA, the Caribbean and Latin America. Earlier this month, the carrier started flights from Paris Orly to Montreal and Guadeloupe, and from September it will link the French airport with Newark and Martinique. Also this month, Level began European short-haul flights from Vienna.

Flight Fleets Analyzer lists three Airbus A330-200s and three A321s in service with Level. IAG indicates that the carrier's long-haul fleet will expand to seven aircraft next year.

Group chief executive Willie Walsh has previously stated that Level could also begin flights from Rome.

Source: Cirium Dashboard