Aviation lobby group Airlines for Europe has bolstered its ranks by attracting eastern European carrier Travel Service.
The largest Czech airline and operates regular flights under the SmartWings brand as well as charter flights and private flights in the business jet segment.
Prague-based Travel Service also operates subsidiaries in Slovakia, Poland and Hungary.
The airline’s general director Roman Vik said: “We are looking forward to joining Airlines for Europe (A4E), having carefully analysed which association could best represent the interests of a growing leisure and charter carrier who is also offering a vast portfolio of scheduled flights.
“Even as a new association in Brussels, A4E already has a proven track record of successfully working on important policy issues that have a direct impact on an airline’s ability to operate efficiently, securely, safely and profitably.
“Travel Service will gladly join forces with Europe’s leading airlines to ensure that EU policy will contribute to the competitiveness of the European air transport sector.”
A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert said: “Adding Travel Service to our member base clearly shows that A4E is the most attractive airline association in Brussels, continuing on its path to represent the European airline community, regardless of its airlines’ business models.
“A4E has an important mission in representing the views of European airlines, as we have seen when the European Commission recently presented its ‘Open and Connected Europe’ report.
“Air transport and European air passengers need a strong voice in Brussels and the Member States.”