The European Court of Justice has ruled against British Airways' attempts to overturn a EUR104 million fine for its alleged role in an air cargo price-fixing cargo cartel on fuel and security surcharges between 1999 and 2006.

British Airways parent IAG said: "We note the decision and will be reviewing our position."

 

In total, 11 air cargo carriers were fined a total of EUR776 million under the original judgement and 10 of them said they planned to contest the fines.

 

According to the EC, the cartel arrangements consisted of numerous contacts between airlines to fix levels of fuel and security surcharges.

 

The companies - fined in 2010 - were Air Canada, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, Latam Chile, Martinair, Qantas, SAS and Singapore Airlines.

 

All but Qantas had challenged the decision.

 

A 12th cartel member, Lufthansa and its subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines received full immunity from fines.