British Airways and Iberia to join Europe's low-cost club

LONDON (ShareCast) - International Consolidated Airlines Group, the holding company of British Airways and Iberia, joined the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) on Friday, in a move that aims to drive the sector's liberalisation within the European Union (EU). This decision comes a week after the group decided to leave the Association of European Airlines (AEA).

The ELFAA was pleased with the incorporation, and added that the association is looking forward to representing "such respected and successful airlines", as the Secretary General of ELFAA John Hanlon said.

The association also stressed that the inclusion reinforces its position as the largest European airline group for passengers within the continent.

"Our new members will further strengthen our credentials as the major stakeholder group on European legislative and regulatory matters. They will add more weight to our voice on behalf of European consumers, who have benefited so greatly from the EU's liberalisation of air transport," Hanlon added.

"We look forward to working with ELFAA and its member airlines on a full range of policy and regulatory issues including the pursuit of further aviation liberalisation," said Willie Walsh, IAG's chief executive.