ACCC: 14 airlines fined for air cargo cartel activity since 2006

27 June, 2018

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported (27-Jun-2018) penalties totalling AUD113.5 million (USD83.3 million) were imposed against 14 airlines since it first launched investigations into air cargo cartel activity in 2006. The ACCC commenced legal action against 15 international airlines between 2008 and 2010 for conduct which occurred between 2002 and 2006. The ACCC stated that a penalty hearing against the 15th airline, Garuda Indonesia, was heard before the Federal Court of Australia during the week commencing 23-Jun-2018. Judgment in that matter has been reserved. Penalties include:

  • Qantas: Dec-2008, AUD20 million (USD14.7 million);
  • British Airways: Dec-2008, AUD5 million (USD3.7 million);
  • Air France-KLM: Feb-2009, AUD6 million (USD4.4 million);
  • Cargolux: Feb-2009, AUD5 million (USD3.7 million);
  • Martinair: Feb-2009, AUD5 million (USD3.7 million);
  • Japan Airlines: Apr-2011, AUD5.5 million (USD4.0 million);
  • Korean Air: Nov-2011 AUD5.5 million, (USD4.0 million);
  • Malaysia Airlines: May-2012 AUD6 million, (USD4.4 million);
  • Emirates: Oct-2012, AUD10 million (USD7.4 million);
  • Cathay Pacific: Dec 2012 AUD11.3 million, (USD8.3 million);
  • Singapore Airlines: Dec-2012, AUD11.8 million (USD8.6 million);
  • Thai Airways: Dec-2012, AUD7.5 million (USD5.5 million);
  • Air New Zealand: Jun-2018 AUD15 million (USD11.0 million). [more - original PR]