Scandinavian carriers Finnair and Norwegian are joining the new airline association Airlines for Europe (A4E).
They will work hand in hand with founding members Air France KLM, easyJet, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group and Ryanair.
The group’s managing director, Thomas Reynaert, said: “Airlines for Europe is open for business and ready to represent the interests of all European airlines.
“We will grow our member base over the next months, uniting more European airlines to take forward changes that will increase our competitiveness and result in lower fares and more choice for passengers.”
He re-emphasised that A4E welcoming the European Commission’s aviation strategy for a stronger and more competitive European aviation industry but called on the commission to address large scale airport monopolies by removing high charges, taxation and inefficiencies within the aviation supply chain.
Finnair chief executive, Pekka Vauramo, said: “Finnair looks forward working with A4E to enhance the dialogue with the key European stakeholders.
“We welcome the initiative to gather European airlines under the same roof regardless of their business model.
“Aviation is a significant contributor to the European economic growth and employment. Therefore it is vital that we participate in discussions on issues on common interest concerning our industry.”
Norwegian chief executive, Bjorn Kjos, said: “Norwegian has always believed in healthy competition among airlines to create more choice and lower fares for passengers. But we also firmly believe in an industry where low‐cost and network carriers can unite to tackle the many issues we all face together.
“We are delighted to join Airlines for Europe to add our voice to the important debate about the huge challenges and opportunities our industry faces in the future.”