International Law

ACCC sues Qantas and British Airways for price fixing

On 28 October 2008 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) instituted separate proceedings in the Federal Court, Sydney, against Qantas Airways Limited and British Airways PLC seeking penalties for alleged price fixing between 2002 and early 2006. 

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

In both cases the parties have reached agreement with the ACCC as to the penalty they will recommend is appropriate for the court to impose. 

The Qantas action has been set down for hearing on 4 November 2008 in the Federal Court, Sydney. The British Airways action has been set down for hearing on 5 November.

ABC News reports that Qantas has agreed to a recommended penalty of $20 million.

Full post as published by Australian Regulatory Compliance Review on October 28, 2008 (boomark / email).