Onderzoek naar kartelvorming bij Europese luchtvaartmaatschappijen in EU en VS (en)

EU and US investigators have launched a probe into several leading European airlines due to suspicions of cartel-type behaviour, such as price-fixing.

Passenger and cargo airlines British Airways, Lufthansa, SAS, Air France, KLM and Cargolux were targeted by the early morning raids carried out on Tuesday (14 February). The world's two biggest airlines, US carriers American Airlines and United Airlines, also said they had received inquiries as part of the probe, according to Reuters.

The European Commission spokesman for competition issues, Jonathan Todd, said there had been concerns that "the companies concerned may have violated rules on cartels and restricted business practices," the BBC reported. He pointed out that the launch of the probe does not itself mean that "the companies are necessarily guilty of anti-competitive behaviour and it does not pre-judge the outcome of our investigations."

Experts warn the investigation itself could have a harsh economic impact on the airlines already suffering from low-cost competition pressures and high fuel costs. The European Commission could levy a fine of up to 10 percent of the annual sales of the airlines involved if they are found guilty, but in the US the process could lead to prison sentences.