BA and Virgin face fines for collusion
Posted 18/11/2011
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have defended themselves against allegations of colluding over fuel surcharges.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is imposing fines of $135m and $100m respectively for alleged colluding over surcharges and forcing Nigerians to pay inflated prices.
Virgin said it would be robustly defending itself against the allegations.
“We have fully assisted the NCAA with its enquiry and we do not believe we have breached Nigerian law. We will be robustly defending any suggestion to the contrary," said a spokesman.
BA has also denied any wrongdoing.
Between them, BA and Virgin operate 21 return flights a week from Britain to Nigeria.
The fines come just weeks after a Nigerian airline was denied slots at London Heathrow.
According to Times Live South Africa, a Nigerian official denied the fines were a response to the row over slots, which has seen the Nigerian government threaten to cut BA flights in Lagos in retaliation.
by Bev Fearis
Originally published 18 Nov 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/1a2d97d9/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C1150A3140Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm
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