Air Transport

Air France included in EU inquiry over possible Japan cartel

By David Kaminski-Morrow

SkyTeam alliance carrier Air France has confirmed that it among the airlines being investigated over a possible cartel involving passenger flights on European-Japanese routes.

Italian SkyTeam member Alitalia and Star Alliance’s Lufthansa have already said they are co-operating with the inquiry, while Air France had initially declined to confirm similar involvement with the probe.

But in a statement today the carrier admits: “Air France confirms that, in a similar fashion to other airlines, it is being questioned by the European Commission about links between the European Union and Japan.

“Air France is providing the Commission with its full co-operation.”

European Commission inspectors carried out a number of raids on airline offices yesterday, searching for evidence which could support allegations of anti-competitive behaviour on the Japanese routes.

Source: flightglobal.com's sister premium news site Air Transport Intelligence news