Speaking at the Capa Global Aviation Summit in Heathrow, Norwegian chief executive Bjorn Kjos said the practice is an effective way of easily growing the carrier’s network.

And he added it could prove to be the best way of extending the low cost carrier’s reach worldwide.

Kjos said: “If you can combine the network of 500 routes in Europe with someone with 1,000 then you have grown to 1,500. It is a large network.

“We could replicate it in North America, South America or Asia. It shouldn’t be too difficult to replicate and then we have a very large airline.”

He also welcomed recent changes in Argentina which have allowed the airline to start operations there.

Kjos said: “It is a fantastic country. North to south is a huge distance to travel on a bus.

“It is what it used to be like 30 years ago in Europe but if you get competition, it changes.

“In order to attract tourism, they have to open up.”