ACCC goes after three more airlines

By on Feb 11, 2009

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court in Sydney against Martinair, Air France and KLM

The ACCC is seeking penalties for alleged price fixing between early-2003 and 2006

The alleged contraventions relate to fuel surcharges applied to international carriage of air cargo during that period

The three airlines have made a number of admissions and consented to the remedies sought, including penalties, injunctions and costs The level of penalties will be decided by the court

Martinair, like Cargolux, has agreed to a penalty of Au$5 million

Air France and KLM have agreed to a combined penalty of Au$6 million, taking into account their common ownership during much of the alleged misconduct

A hearing has been set for Monday February 16th

The latest proceedings follow similar proceedings against Qantas and British Airways, who were ordered by the Federal Court to pay penalties of Au$20 million and Au$5 million respectively

The ACCC began contested proceedings against Singapore Airlines Cargo in December last year, and continues to investigate other airlines