May Be First Of Many In Anti-Trust Case

A possible breakthrough in the seven-month investigation into price-fixing among international carriers... as Lufthansa has agreed to settle several US class-action lawsuits against the airline for $85 million.

Those lawsuits accused the German carrier of fixing prices for cargo shipments on its planes... one of a dozen airlines facing inquiries by authorities in the US, Europe and Asia.

With the agreement -- which is subject to court approval -- Lufthansa also received conditional immunity from antitrust investigators... and the airline has applied for similar leniency from the US Justice Department, the European Union and other authorities, as well.

So... what's the to-do about?

As Aero-News reported in February, authorities launched investigations into a dozen international carriers, on suspicion they had conspired to fix prices for international freight. Other airlines in the spotlight include American... United... British Airways... Air France... and Cargolux.

All have been questioned by authorities; another airline, Scandinavian carrier SAS, says it was already raided by the European Commission.

It appears authorities are serious in going after airlines suspected of collusion... and this settlement may not be the last.

FMI: www.lufthansa.com www.doj.gov, www.eu.int