The price fixing fallout

Martin George and Iain Burns of British Airways may be the first high profile heads to roll in the on-going probes into fuel surcharges, but are unlikely to be the last.

George and Burns, both high-flying and well-respected industry executives, have done the decent thing at BA. Although not admitting direct responsibility for "inappropriate" conversations relating to long-haul fuel surcharges, George is taking the rap with his resignation. Burns has yet to comment.

The departure of George after 4 months of gardening leave was probably inevitable. He needs to rebuild his career, most likely outside the aviation industry, and BA needs closure.

BA may stem the tide in people terms - it certainly will not want to lose any more top managers - but the investigation continues. The prognosis does not look too encouraging.

And let's not forget the cargo fuel surcharge probe, which also affects BA. This is an equally troubling investigation for airline boardrooms on both sides of the Atlantic. The fallout should become apparent over the next few weeks and months - it will not be a pretty sight.