Air New Zealand denied the accusations

Air New Zealand has recently sent out a memo to staff denying reports that the carrier's deputy CEO Norm Thompson was involved in a trans-Tasman Sea cargo cartel, the Shipping Gazette reported.

The allegations are part of a lengthy worldwide investigation into an air cargo price-fixing cartel that has netted a number of carriers in Asia, Europe and the United States and tens millions of dollars in fines.

The New Zealand Commerce Commission has also started prosecuting airlines, claiming the cartel operated in its home market as well.
A report by Auckland's New Zealand Herald said that Air New Zealand has denied the accusations that it was involved in the price-fixing cartel, adding that it has taken an "aggressive approach" to the commission's prosecution.

In a memo issued to staff, CEO Rob Fyfe said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has not filed proceedings alleging any wrongdoing by Air New Zealand or Mr Thompson.

"In fact, our own thorough review of the documents shows that Air New Zealand acted appropriately in all our discussions and communications," he said.
But the Melbourne Age reported evidence about to be used in a court case in Australia will show Air New Zealand's Mr Thompson was in contact with a key rival at Emirates to illegally fix air freight prices across the Tasman Sea.

It claims letters, emails and telephone conversations between Air New Zealand and Emirates managers will be used as evidence in a case brought against Emirates in the Federal Court by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The paper reported allegations that Mr Thompson and Emirates cargo chief Ram Menen first discussed prices they intended to charge for air freight flown between Australia and New Zealand in October 2003.
If the evidence revealed in the newspaper reports is correct, it may also be used in a New Zealand court, said the Herald report.
 

Source: Transportweekly