BA Is Shite

BA Is Shite

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The latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline.

Monday 11 August 2008

Criminal Charges

Three former and one current British Airways executive will be taking the stand in the United Kingdom in September to face charges over their actions in a global price-fixing cartel.

Andrew Crawley current head of sales, Martin George former commercial director, Iain Burns former communications head, and Alan Burnett UK and Ireland sales head, are charged with Price-Fixing, which could see jail terms of up to five years and unlimited fines.

In Britain, the Office of Fair Trading made 'Price-Fixing' a specific criminal charge in 2002. This will be only the second such proceedings of its kind in London.

All four are charged for grievances which took place between 2004 and 2006. All three former execs resigned from the carrier in 2006.

"Four men have today been charged with cartel offences under the Enterprise Act in connection with the OFT's criminal investigation into price-fixing of fuel surcharges for long haul passenger flights," said the Office of Fair Trading in an official statement.

"[They] are charged with having dishonestly agreed with others to make or implement arrangements which directly or indirectly fixed the price for the supply in the United Kingdom of passenger air transport services by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways."

A plea agreement between British Airways and the US Department of Justice which saw the carrier being hit with a US$300 million fine, and immunity refused to ten former and current BA staff.

In this instance, Virgin Atlantic was granted immunity for its actions in the dealings as it was the whistle blower on the case.

The four in the current charge will face a judge on the 24th of September.

Source e-Travel Blackboard

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