A4E was founded in January 2016 by Europe's five largest carriers: Air France–KLM Group, easyJet, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group and Ryanair Holdings and serves as the united voice of European commercial airlines in Brussels.

A4E currently counts 16 leading airline groups as its members.

New carriers both big and small, from low-cost to leaser, legacy and cargo have joined A4E.

Beyond airlines, global manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, GE, and Thales are also members of A4E.

[3] The main goal of this association is to address key policy issues affecting passengers and cargo while promoting long-term solutions to benefit Europe's aviation sector, including: At September 2020, the following airline groups are members of A4E:[5] A Founding members B Including subsidiaries C Cargo fleet There are also 5 international aircraft manufacturers who are participating in this organization.