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“This settlement with Emirates brings the total
penalties ordered in Australia against
international airlines involved in the cartel to
$68 million. These are the highest penalties to
have ever been ordered in an ACCC
investigation,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
“This result sends a strong message that the
ACCC and the Australian courts will not tolerate
any business – regardless of size or country of
origin – engaging in cartel conduct that harms
competition in Australia. Cartel conduct is
illegal and often results in increased prices
for consumers.” The ACCC commenced
the proceedings against Emirates in 2009,
alleging that the airline, in conjunction with
other airlines, fixed prices relating to fuel
and other surcharges.
As part of the settlement, Emirates has admitted
to arriving and giving effect to illegal
understandings relating to a fuel surcharge, a
security surcharge and a customs fee on air
freight carried from Indonesia to Australia and
other countries between October 2001 and May
2006. This resulted in a $7 million penalty; and
attempting to arrive at an understanding with
DAS Air Cargo relating to rates charged for the
supply of air freight services from Australia.
This resulted in a $3 million penalty.
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