Airline Business

Australia's competition watchdog has taken legal action against Thai Airways International for alleged price-fixing of cargo services.

A hearing in the country's federal court has been set for 26 November, says the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC). The "ACCC is seeking declarations, injunctive relief, pecuniary penalties and costs" against Thai, it adds.

"The ACCC alleges that between 2001 and 2006, Thai entered into arrangements or understandings with other international air cargo carriers...that had the purpose or effect of fixing the price of fuel surcharges and security surcharges," it says.

The Australian courts have so far ordered a total of A$41 million ($37 million) in penalties against airlines over this matter, it adds.

Thai is the 11th carrier that the Australian regulator has taken action against in this matter.