British Airways and Spain’s airline Iberia approved Thursday a preliminary agreement on a planned merger that would create a European aviation giant.

The new airline would have 419 aircraft and fly to 205 destinations, the companies said in a joint statement, ending months of negotiations on a merger to better compete in the recession-hit industry.

British Airlines chief executive Willie Walsh said: “The merger will create a strong European airline well able to compete in the 21st century.”

And Willie Walsh added that “Both airlines will retain their brands and heritage while achieving significant synergies as a combined force.”