EU adds THAI to list of possible colluding airlines

As the international investigation of the airline cartels continue, THAI is the latest airline under the crosshairs of the European Union.

According to the Bangkok Post THAI Thursday confirmed it had recently received a formal charge from the European Union’s antitrust regulators accusing it of having colluded with other airlines in an air freight cartel.

Already the carrier has hired on a local law firm, Siam Premier, to work with European legal advisors on the case.

THAI has also sought to delay a submission to the EU outlining its role in the ‘surcharge cartel’ from the 3rd of March to the 16th of April.

According to EU policies, if the airline is found guilty or admits to guilt in collusion, it could face a fine amounting to 10% of its global annual sales.

Late last year some 30 airlines were sent letters by the EU to ‘please explain’ their actions. While not a charge of guilt, the European Commission were clearly investigating the issue.

This global investigation is also taking place in the UK and US, where carriers such as British Airways, Korean Air and Qantas have already faced hefty fines.

Peter

30 airlines in one investigation looks like half of the all airlines flying to the EU.

I would think it's the local airlines, flying the most flights, benefited the most

Great--or is it? At first I thought, somewhat naively, that this might result in a small drop in flight charges--however, I fear that the result wll actually be the opposite--increased charges to cover any fines.

Great--or is it? At first I thought, somewhat naively, that this might result in a small drop in flight charges--however, I fear that the result wll actually be the opposite--increased charges to cover any fines.

When it was under Thai ( read Thakes In ) rule, yes.

But to and from the EU they want to have an open competition. So NO prices agreements between the "suppliers".

Yes, real hefty fines. Mercedes had to pay Euro 3,000,000,000

When one increases the price too far, and is NOT covered by better service, they drive themselves out of competitiion.

That's why I can phone for Euro 0,021 = 1 THB per minute to ALL Europe, Argenitna, Canada, China, Chile, Hongkong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, but Thailand Euro 0,112 . Maybe poor Mr Thakes-In and his friends need additional support ?