Norwegian, Europe’s third largest low-cost carrier, has agreed to join Airlines for Europe(A4E), Europe’s new airline association.
A4E was launched last month and Norwegian will now become its latest member, working hand in hand with founding members Air France KLM, easyJet, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group and Ryanair.
“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. I am thrilled to welcome Norwegian and Finnair to A4E”, said Thomas Reynaert, A4E’s Managing Director.
Norwegian CEO 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.”
Thomas Reynaert reemphasised A4E welcoming the European Commission’s Aviation Strategy for a stronger and more competitive European aviation industry but called on the EC to address large scale airport monopolies by removing high charges, taxation and inefficiencies within the aviation supply chain.