Singapore Airlines and Emirates have been forced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to cooperate in the ACCC's investigation into price-fixing after a Federal Court judge ruled that air cargo bound for Australia from overseas was not beyond the definition of a "market in Australia" under the Trade Practices Act. The airlines also lost the argument that the ACCC had failed to consider the burden imposed on the airlines in providing the documents, which cover a six-year … [Read more...] about SIA/Emirates ordered to cooperate with investigation
price fixing
US$94 million in fines for Japanese cartel
Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered Nippon Express and 11 other transport companies to pay over US$94 million in fines for what the competition watchdog sees as their collective attempt to fix international air cargo charges, Kyodo News reported. The FTC also issued an order to the companies to discontinue the practice and urged the Japan Aircargo Forwarders Association to prevent a recurrence of a similar act. The FTC believes the association served as a venue for consultations to … [Read more...] about US$94 million in fines for Japanese cartel
Air NZ takes Commission to court
Air New Zealand is taking the country’s Commerce Commission to court in a bid to counter its allegations that 13 airlines colluded in fixing prices in the air cargo market there. Air NZ has gone to the High Court to try to force the Commission to disclose any evidence it has against the airline, saying its own internal investigations have failed to uncover wrongdoing and that the Commission’s actions are impacting the carrier on many levels. "Despite extensive reviews of … [Read more...] about Air NZ takes Commission to court
Global cargo cartel fallout lands in Japan
Japan's Fair Trade Commission has notified more than 10 companies that they will be fined about ¥10 billion (US$103.2 million) for operating a cartel on international air cargo services. The FTC believes that the companies, including major distribution and logistics companies Nippon Express Co., Kintetsu World Express Inc. and Yusen Air & Sea Service Co., constrained fair competition by forming a cartel that added fuel surcharges and airport security charges to their air cargo service … [Read more...] about Global cargo cartel fallout lands in Japan
Australia competition watchdog fines three more carries
In the latest development revolving around the global air cargo price fixing scandal, Australia's competition watchdog has sued three more airlines over allegations they were involved in price-fixing. Air France-KLM, Martinair and Cargolux have joined Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways and British Airways over the same allegations made by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The three have agreed to pay fines, with Cargolux saying it has agreed to fines of A$5 million (€2.6 … [Read more...] about Australia competition watchdog fines three more carries
Brazil, Chile, Israel carriers fined US$125 million
LAN Cargo S.A., Aerolinhas Brasileiras and EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd have agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to fix air freight prices, according to the US Justice Department. The three companies will pay criminal fines totaling $124.7 million. LAN Cargo and Aerolinhas Brasileiras, which is substantially owned by LAN Cargo, will pay a combined fine of US$109 million while EL AL will pay a US$15.7 million fine, the Justice Department said. All three airlines agreed to cooperate with US … [Read more...] about Brazil, Chile, Israel carriers fined US$125 million
