BA targeted in cartel probe
British Airways is one of several carriers under investigation as part of a European and US crackdown on alleged cartel activity.
The European Commission raided a number of airlines and cargo operators yesterday, including BA, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and SAS.
BA confirmed it has received a request for information from both the EC and United States Department of Justice.
It admitted the request related to “alleged cartel activity involving British Airways and a number of other airlines and cargo operators.”
“British Airways’ policy is to conduct its business in full compliance with all the applicable competition laws,” it said in a statement. “BA is assisting the European Commission and United States department of justice with their investigation.”
The EC said it had “reason to believe” that the companies concerned may have violated rules on cartels and restricted business practices.
But a spokesman said: “The fact we’ve undertaken them doesn’t mean that the companies are necessarily guilty of anti-competitive behaviour as it does not pre-judge the outcome of our investigations.”
The investigation are at a “preliminary stage”, he added.
The probe is believed to focus on freight.
Reports suggested one airline had tipped off the authorities after competition commissioner Neelie Kroes instigated a crackdown on cartels and offered leniency for firms blowing the whistle.
Report by Steve Jones
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