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New Zealand's competition watchdog is to take legal action against 13 airlines including Singapore Airlines, for alleged price fixing and cartel behaviour in the air freight market. Seven individuals also face similar legal action. The New Zealand Commerce Commission said the airlines had colluded to raise the price of air freight by imposing fuel surcharges for more than nine years. Air New Zealand has already denied the charges. Other airlines facing prosecution include, British Airways, Cargolux International, Emirates and Japan Airlines. New Zealand's international air cargo market is worth around US$220 million, and during the time of the alleged offences, airlines would have earned about $1.6 billion. SIA Cargo says it will defend against allegations made against it by the New Zealand Commerce Commission. The New Zealand watchdog has charged 13 airlines, including SIA, of price-fixing and engaging in cartel conduct. In response to media queries, a spokesman for SIA Cargo said it is committed to competing successfully and fairly in New Zealand. It added that it has co-operated with competition authorities around the world to understand the issue at hand and provide assistance. As the matter is now before the court, the spokesman said it would be inappropriate for SIA Cargo to comment in any more detail at this stage. |