Just recently it has emerged that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched Federal court proceedings against Air New Zealand and Japan Airlines over price fixing allegations on Monday. These claims were launched, with the watchdog stating that both airlines entered into arrangements or understandings with other international carriers between 2002 and 2006 to fix the price of fuel and security surcharges.

Air New Zealand, which is currently seeking Australian Competition and Consumer Commission approval for a trans-Tasman alliance with another airline, has vehemently denied these allegations. They company did go on to say that it would defend its name against these wrongful allegations.

Air New Zealand general counsel, John Blair, said that Air New Zealand was disappointed to receive a statement of claim from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission about price fixing. He went on to say that the carrier will defend the allegations by by the group that it was one of the nine airlines breaking Australian laws.

According to Mr Blair, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission claims were based on the fully transparent, formally recorded discussion among airlines for the purpose of obtaining approval for surcharges from regulators, such as the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau.

There is a hearing that has been set for June 10^th in Federal Court in Sydney. Similar court proceedings have also been launched against Singapore Airlines Cargo, Cathay Pacific Airways, and other companies. More information about this case will surface after the court hearing. It is not yet known just how long this hearing will last.