Shippers welcome investigation in air cargo pricing practices

15 February 2006

The European Shippers’ Council has welcomed investigations of the European Commission into cartel practices of the air cargo industry in several EU Member States. ESC Secretary General Nicolette van der Jagt said, ‘Shippers have since a long time been concerned about nearly identical levels of surcharges in respect of fuel price increases, new security measures and other factors. Despite different airlines having very different operational characteristics and economies they invariably seem to set very similar or even identical levels of surcharges. This has raised the suspicion among many shippers that these surcharges represent some form of price agreement.’

‘Shippers therefore hope that this investigation can clear this up as it would help in the further building of customer confidence. Shippers have a right to expect airlines to operate in a competitive market as this helps drive down costs, increase efficiency, and ensure a customer focus in the provision of services. We look forward to the conclusions of this investigation.’

For further information contact: Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of the ESC - Brussels 00 322 230 2113