Emirates fined Dh37 million by Australian commission

Emirates Airline has been accused of cartel conduct and fined A$10 million (Dh37.6m) by an Australian court.
The penalty was ordered yesterday by the federal court in Sydney over charges of price fixing, which is a breach of conduct under local law.
The proceedings began in 2009 when the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said Emirates and other carriers were involved in fixing of fuel surcharges and other prices. This, the commission said, represented cartel conduct.
"This settlement with Emirates brings the total penalties ordered in Australia against international airlines involved in the cartel to $68m," said the ACCC chairman, Rod Sims. "Cartel conduct is illegal and often results in increased prices for consumers."
Emirates is one of 10 airlines facing court proceedings.
On October 22, the federal court is to hear proceedings against Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and Thai Airways, the ACCC said.
Emirates confirmed the settlement in a statement.
A spokesman for the airline said it would make a payment to the commission, as well as a contribution to its costs in accordance with the court order.
 
vtodorova@thenational.ae