AF-KLM wounded by two-pronged attack

A GROUP of companies has launched Europe’s largest ever lawsuit against an airline for engaging in air cargo cartel behaviour.

The group of claimants, led by Ericsson of Sweden and Philips of the Netherlands and involving “hundreds” of smaller companies, have brought the case against the Air France-KLM Group: Air France, KLM and Martinair. The group alleges its individual companies suffered more than €400 million (US$545 million) of damage from pricefixing, although the sum being sought will be more than €500 million once interest is added to the final figure.

Claims Funding International (CFI) is behind the case, although the Dutch law firm BarentsKrans is handling the legal aspects of it. Peter Koutsoukis (right), managing director of CFI, said: “Today for the first time, cartel victims across Europe are standing up together and demanding refunds from cartelists. The airlines have treated European victims with contempt, hoping they wouldn’t have the courage to claim yet at the same time sending bags of money to US victims. Cartelists think they can just pay fines and get away with it. We hope our legal action will help reduce cartel activity here.”

“Companies can still join and should contact us promptly to ensure their rights are protected.”

For the full story read the latest free digital edition of Air Cargo News, no. 687 dated 4 October, here.