Air Trade Meetings May Lose Antitrust Immunity

Transport Topics, July, 2006 by Anonymous

The Department of Transportation said last week it has proposed withdrawing antitrust immunity from tariff-coordination meeting held by the International Air Transport Association that set cargo rates for U.S.-Europe and U.S.-Australia flights.

DOT said it has tentatively concluded changes in international aviation services, such as the growth of international airline alliances, have made such pricing conferences unnecessary.

The department also said that European Union and Australian competition authorities have tentatively determined to end or reduce the IATA conferences' immunity from their own competition laws.

DOT said parties may file objections to its tentative decision, and that any objections are due by Aug. 25. - Transport Topics