« Stern words on global warming | Main | Bad time for business, boom time for fraud »

Rather a fine mess

The huge fines meted out to British Airways last year for collusion with Virgin Atlantic on the level of fuel surcharges were maybe not so huge after all. Time lends new perspective.

BA paid out £121.5 million to the UK's Office of Fair Trading after being fingered by Virgin, and a further $300 million to the US Department of Justice after admitting price-fixing in both its passenger and cargo operations.

Four more airlines received fines totalling $504 million in the US last week after agreeing to plead guilty to involvement in a conspiracy to fix surcharges on cargo.

Air France-KLM took the biggest hit - $350 million. Cathay Pacific will pay $60 million, SAS Scandinavian Airlines $52 million and Martinair - a carrier half-owned by Air France-KLM - $42 million.

According to the US justice department, Air France-KLM conspired with other airlines to suppress and eliminate competition by fixing rates for air shipments to and from the US for six years from January 2000.

Lufthansa played the role of Virgin, escaping a heavy US fine by being first to volunteer information to the justice department. No doubt this has not led to cordial relations between Paris and Frankfurt.

Fines so far imposed total $1.2 billion. Korean Air has paid out $300 million, Japan Airlines $110 million and Qantas $61 million. Up to 30 airlines are under the microscope in the US, individuals face criminal prosecutions and investigators in the European Union and elsewhere are at work - so expect further fines.

Qantas claimed the distinction of being the first airline to have a former executive sent to jail last week. Brian McCaffrey, ex-head of freight operations in the US, received an eight-month sentence and a $20,000 fine.

Then there are the class-action lawsuits. BA and Virgin Atlantic agreed a $200 million settlement with US lawyers acting on behalf of passengers in February, and Lufthansa settled a claim by cargo customers for $85 million in March.

None of this is handy going into the biggest aviation downturn in decades. As they say in the US - do the math.

But the most interesting question remains unanswered. How on earth did this come about? The industry was not especially in crisis at the point at which these acts of conspiracy or collusion commenced. The cargo conspiracy allegedly began in 2000. The fuel-surcharge collusion dated from 2004.

Was it due to ignorance of the law on a vast scale? Should we blame collective hubris at a senior level? Or have some of the habits of a generation of airline executives fallen foul of an unexpected zeal among enforcement agencies?


TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://blogs.travelweekly.co.uk/movabletype/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi/5409

Comments (85)

How could I have missed this blog! Its incredible. Your style is flawless, like you know precisely what to do to do make individuals flock to your page! I also like the perspective you brought to this subject. Its like you've got an insight that many people havent seen just before. So great to read a blog like this.

This is such a deep weblog! What can I say, youve hit the nail proper on the head! You even added some videos to create it appear so a lot more actual. Youve got a fantastic way of communicating with the reader, a great way of creating me feel like what you might have to say is just as critical to me as it really is to you. Maintain it up!

I need to say, as a lot as I enjoyed reading what you had to say, I couldnt support but lose interest after a even though. Its as if you had a great grasp on the subject matter, but you forgot to contain your readers. Maybe you must feel about this from a lot more than 1 angle. Or possibly you shouldnt generalise so much. Its much better if you believe about what other people could need to say as opposed to just going for a gut reaction to the subject. Believe about adjusting your own thought process and giving other people who could read this the benefit of the doubt.

This is undoubtedly a weblog worth following. Youve got a great deal to say about this subject, and so much understanding. I think that you know how to make men and women listen to what you might have to say, specifically with an issue thats so essential. Im glad to know this blog. Two massive thumbs up, man!

I have recently started a web site, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.

I would say it can be my very very first time viewing your site. I can definitely write that it contains a great number of helpful points. Great website. I just finished mine and i was seeking for some suggestions and you gave me a couple of. Fantastic read!

This is the perfect blog for everyone who desires to know about this topic. You know so significantly its nearly difficult to argue with you (not that I genuinely would want...HaHa). You absolutely put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just fantastic!

The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as considerably as this one. I mean, I know it was my option to read, but I actually thought youd have some thing intriguing to say. All I hear can be a bunch of whining about some thing that you simply could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

Thank you for this weblog. Thats all I can say. You most certainly have made this weblog into something thats eye opening and essential. You clearly know so significantly about the subject, youve covered so numerous bases. Great stuff from this component of the internet. Once again, thank you for this blog.

Wow, what a weblog! I mean, you just have so much guts to go ahead and tell it like it is. Youre what blogging wants, an open minded superhero who isnt afraid to tell it like it can be. This is definitely something folks should be up on. Great luck inside the future, man.

How is it that just anybody can write a blog and get as common as this? Its not like youve said anything incredibly impressive --more like youve painted a fairly picture over an issue which you know absolutely nothing about! I dont need to sound mean, here. But do you really believe that you can get away with adding some fairly photos and not truly say anything?

Your weblog is STELLAR! I mean, Ive never been so entertained by anything in my life! Your vids are ideal for this. I mean, how did you manage to discover some thing that matches your style of writing so properly? Im actually happy I began reading this these days. Youve got a follower in me for positive!

All I can say is keep it up. This weblog is so required in a time when everyone just wants to talk about how a lot of people someones cheated on their wife with. I mean, thanks for bringing intelligence back to the web, its been sorely missed. Excellent stuff. Please keep it coming!

If I may --perhaps you ought to consider adding some images. I dont mean to disrespect what youve said; its really enlightening, indeed. Even so, I think would respond to it much more positively if they could be some thing tangible to your ideas. Keep it up, but put just a little far more into it next time.

For what its worth, the layout is undoubtedly incredible. You know how you can balance writing and images/videos. Nevertheless, I cant get over how small you in fact bring to light here. I feel that everyones said the identical factor that youve said over and over again. Dont you feel its time for something much more?

You certain do know what youre talking about. Man, this blog is just wonderful! I cant wait to read far more of what youve got to say. Im genuinely happy that I came across this when I did because I was genuinely starting to get bored with the entire blogging scene. Youve turned me around, man!

Wow, what a blog! I mean, you just have so considerably guts to go ahead and tell it like it can be. Youre what blogging requirements, an open minded superhero who isnt afraid to tell it like it really is. This is definitely some thing folks should be up on. Very good luck inside the future, man.

I've been surfing online much more than three hours today, but I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is fairly worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers created great content as you did, the web is going to be a lot more valuable than ever before.

I feel like you could almost certainly teach a class on how to make a fantastic blog. This is great! I have to say, what really got me was your style. You definitely know the way to make your weblog a lot more than just a rant about an problem. Youve made it achievable for folks to connect. Very good for you, due to the fact not that several people know what theyre performing.

Wonderful stuff from you, man. Ive read your stuff prior to and youre just too awesome. I really like what youve got here, love what youre saying and also the way you say it. You make it entertaining and you still manage to maintain it intelligent. I cant wait to read a lot more from you. This is actually a fantastic weblog.

You positive do know what youre talking about. Man, this weblog is just wonderful! I cant wait to read much more of what youve got to say. Im actually happy that I came across this when I did because I was actually beginning to obtain bored with the whole blogging scene. Youve turned me around, man!

I feel like you could possibly teach a class on the way to make a fantastic blog. This is great! I've to say, what truly got me was your design. You surely know the way to make your weblog much more than just a rant about an issue. Youve made it feasible for individuals to connect. Good for you, simply because not that numerous people know what theyre performing.

I dont know what it can be about this blog that turns me off so much, but you just dont seem to obtain me excited. I dont know if its the lack of content or just the way you wrote it. But you genuinely dont seem to recognize that your readers may possibly not agree with you. Youre genuinely just too on the market for me.

I dont know what to say. This blog is amazing. Thats not truly a truly massive statement, but its all I could come up with soon after reading this. You know so much about this subject. So a lot to ensure that you created me want to find out a lot more about it. Your blog is my stepping stone, my friend. Thanks for the heads up on this subject.

If I may well --perhaps you should take into account adding some images. I dont mean to disrespect what youve said; its quite enlightening, indeed. Nevertheless, I think would respond to it more positively if they might be some thing tangible to your ideas. Keep it up, but put just a little far more into it next time.

The next time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I know it was my selection to read, but I in fact thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear can be a bunch of whining about something that you simply could fix in the event you werent too busy searching for attention.

You make a great point. Got some fantastic information here. I believe that if more men and women thought about it that way, theyd have a better time understanding the issue. Your view is undoubtedly some thing Id like to see much more of. Thanks for this blog. Its amazing and so is what youve got to say.

What I wouldnt give to learn how you got your style to be so wonderful! I mean it. Besides the blog just being awesome, this page is too sweet! Its not too flashy. It doesnt do too much with colours and points and also the videos you use are perfect for this topic! Truly, awesome weblog.

Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so considerably about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I feel which you could do with some pics to drive the message property a bit, but other than that, this is great weblog. A fantastic read. Ill absolutely be back.

I think youve created some really interesting points. Not too several men and women would really feel about this the way you just did. Im actually impressed that theres so considerably about this subject thats been uncovered and you did it so well, with so significantly class. Good 1 you, man! Genuinely fantastic stuff here.

For what its worth, the layout is definitely amazing. You know the best way to balance writing and images/videos. Nonetheless, I cant get over how small you actually bring to light here. I believe that everyones said the exact same factor that youve said over and over again. Dont you think its time for something more?

If I may possibly --perhaps you need to take into account adding several images. I dont mean to disrespect what youve said; its very enlightening, indeed. Nonetheless, I believe would respond to it far more positively if they might be some thing tangible to your suggestions. Keep it up, but put a little far more into it next time.

Thanks for sharing Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) .

Wonderful goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just extremely excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I can't wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Thanks for sharing Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) .

Thankyou for sharing Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) .

Appreciate it for sharing Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) .

This is certainly a topic thats close to me so Im happy which you wrote about it. Im also pleased which you did the subject some justice. Not just do you know a great deal about it, you know how you can present in a way that folks will desire to read more. Im so happy to know somebody like you exists on the web.

Your weblog is outrageous! I mean, Ive by no means been so entertained by anything in my life! Your vids are perfect for this. I mean, how did you manage to discover some thing that matches your style of writing so nicely? Im genuinely happy I began reading this nowadays. Youve got a follower in me for positive!

Regards for sharing Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) .

Im impressed. I dont believe Ive met anyone who knows as a lot about this subject as you do. Youre truly nicely informed and extremely intelligent. You wrote some thing that individuals could realize and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Truly, excellent blog youve got here.

Thanks for sharing Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) .

How is it that just anybody can write a weblog and get as popular as this? Its not like youve said anything incredibly impressive --more like youve painted a fairly picture over an issue which you know absolutely nothing about! I dont want to sound mean, here. But do you actually believe that you can get away with adding some pretty photos and not truly say anything?

If I may possibly --perhaps you should take into account adding several images. I dont mean to disrespect what youve said; its very enlightening, indeed. Even so, I believe would respond to it much more positively if they might be some thing tangible to your ideas. Keep it up, but put a bit much more into it next time.

Regards for sharing Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) .

Thank you for this weblog. Thats all I can say. You most certainly have created this weblog into some thing thats eye opening and essential. You clearly know so significantly about the subject, youve covered so numerous bases. Fantastic stuff from this component of the internet. Once more, thank you for this weblog.

Please tell me that youre going to maintain this up! Its so great and so critical. I cant wait to read more from you. I just feel like you know so considerably and know the best way to make people listen to what you might have to say. This blog is just too cool to be missed. Great stuff, truly. Please, PLEASE keep it up!

The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this 1. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I truly thought youd have some thing fascinating to say. All I hear can be a bunch of whining about some thing that you could fix in case you werent too busy searching for attention.

The next time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as significantly as this 1. I mean, I know it was my option to read, but I in fact thought youd have some thing interesting to say. All I hear is really a bunch of whining about some thing that you could fix if you werent too busy seeking for attention.

Aw, this was a truly good quality post. In theory I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to create a good write-up... but what can I say... I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get something performed.

Magnificent goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too fantastic. I actually like what you've acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can't wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Wonderful goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just too great. I really like what you've acquired here, really like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Great goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too fantastic. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

This is undoubtedly a blog that people must get behind. The difficulty is, nobody wants to do a great deal of reading and not have some thing else to stimulate the mind. This is the internet, following all. Perhaps in the event you added a video or two to emphasise your point. Ill stick around, FOR Sure. But, I dont know if other people will.

Great goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too great. I really like what you've acquired here, really like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Excellent goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent. I really like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Excellent goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just too fantastic. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

I got what you mean, thanks for swing up. Woh I am gladsome to conceptualize this website finished google. Thanks For Share Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel).

I got what you impart, thanks for putting up. Woh I am gladsome to encounter this website through google. Thanks For Share Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel).

I got what you think, thanks for swing up. Woh I am willing to exploit this website through google. Thanks For Share Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel).

Fantastic goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can't wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Wonderful goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just too excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Great goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just extremely great. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Fantastic goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just extremely great. I actually like what you've acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can't wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

I like your site.There is a lot of good info here; except I am a little disappointed that I found this site only now.
I could have learned a LOT for .

I like your site.There is a lot of good info here; except I am a little disappointed that I found this site only now.
I could have learned a LOT for .

Brad:

Hey . I find the stuff here interesting and relevant. I am surpised that you do not get more messages, but I guess that the battle is hard these days. I wish you the best of luck.

I got what you convey, thanks for putting up. Woh I am willing to maturate this website finished google. Thanks For Share Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel).

Fantastic goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too fantastic. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Great goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a great Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Fantastic goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too excellent. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can't wait to read much more from you. This is really a great Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

hyip:

Fantastic goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just extremely magnificent. I really like what you've acquired here, really like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Excellent goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too fantastic. I actually like what you've acquired here, really like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a wonderful Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Great goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can't wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Excellent goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too great. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Magnificent goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can't wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Magnificent goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

HYIP:

I got what you specify, thanks for swing up. Woh I am happy to conclude this website through google. Thanks For Share Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel).

Wonderful goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too excellent. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I can't wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Wow, what a blog! I mean, you just have so a lot guts to go ahead and tell it like it can be. Youre what blogging needs, an open minded superhero who isnt afraid to tell it like it's. This is definitely something individuals must be up on. Very good luck within the future, man.

Great goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just too magnificent. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Wonderful goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just extremely excellent. I really like what you've acquired here, really like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

Fantastic goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just too excellent. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

hyip:

Fantastic goods from you, man. Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) I've understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful. I really like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel) informations.

hyip:

I got what you specify, thanks for swing up. Woh I am cheerful to grow this website through google. Thanks For Share Rather a fine mess (Taylor on Travel).

Post a comment

About

This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on July 1, 2008 7:42 PM.

The previous post in this blog was Stern words on global warming.

The next post in this blog is Bad time for business, boom time for fraud.

Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.

Powered by
Movable Type Pro