Virgin Atlantic CEO Aware of Price Fixing

Air Transport World is reporting Virgin Atlantic Airways CEO Steve Ridgway acknowledged he was aware of the collusion between executives at Virgin Atlantic and British Airways to fix fuel surcharges on long-haul flights in June 2004-April 2006.

Ridgway reportedly said, "I apologize unreservedly for my involvement in this case. I have fully cooperated with the competition authorities since their enquiries began in 2006. Although I did not have any direct contact with BA in relation to passenger fuel surcharges, I regret that, on becoming aware of the discussions, I did not take steps to stop them."

He added that a "thorough and far-reaching competition law training program" has been implemented at Virgin. He is immune from prosecution because Virgin Atlantic brought the collusion to authorities' attention.

The Southwark Crown Court in London is hearing a case concerning four BA employees brought by the UK Office of Fair Trading. Several other Virgin employees also were named as having been aware of the impropriety. BA was fined £121.5 million ($196.9 million) by UK authorities and $300 million by the US Dept. of Justice.

Additional Background:

Three More Airlines Pay Price Fixing Fines

Three Airlines Are Paying Price Fixing Fines

Airlines to Pay Criminal Cargo Price Fixing Fines