Australian watchdog: Malaysian Airline fixed prices

SYDNEY, April 13  - Australia's competition watchdog has launched proceedings against Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MASM.KL: Quote, Profile, Research) and its wholly-owned cargo subsidiary for alleged price fixing, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleged that the firms entered into arrangements or understandings with other international air cargo carriers to fix fuel and security surcharges between 2001 and 2006.

A hearing in an Australian federal court has been scheduled for April 22 and the watchdog will seek declarations, injunctive relief, pecuniary penalties, and costs, it said.

The ACCC said Malaysian Airline is the thirteenth air carrier to become the subject of its price-fixing probe and its investigation of other airlines would continue.