Airlines for Europe was created in January 2016 by Europe's five largest carriers: IAG, Air France–KLM, EasyJet, Lufthansa and Ryanair. It is the first time an airlines trade association gathers full-service and low-cost carriers. In was created in response to the ineffectiveness of the previous major European airlines trade association, the now defunct Association of European Airlines.Upon its creation, A4E declared war on supposedly subsidized airlines from the Gulf region that compete unfairly against other international airlines. According to Lobbyfacts.eu, A4E has six representatives actively lobbying at the European parliament.

Aegean Airlines airBaltic (since October 2016) Air France–KLM Cargolux EasyJet Finnair IAG Icelandair Jet2.com Lufthansa Norwegian Air Shuttle Ryanair TAP Portugal Volotea