Japan Airlines targeted in EU anti-cartel action

(TOKYO) - Japan Airlines (JAL) said Friday that it had been targeted by the European Commission as part of a clampdown on an alleged air cargo cartel among the world's top carriers.

JAL, Asia's largest carrier, said it had received a formal complaint from the Commission following an inspection of its cargo and mail office in Frankfurt in February 2006. It said it was still considering its response.

In November the Japanese carrier said it had also put aside 11.5 billion yen (102 million dollars) to prepare for possible fines for alleged anti-competitive practices.

Earlier Friday EU antitrust regulators said they had lodged formal cartel charges against a number of air freight companies, taking the first step in legal actions that could lead to hefty fines.

"The European Commission can confirm that a statement of objections has been sent to a number of companies, concerning their alleged participation in a cartel in the provision of air freight services," the Commission said in a statement.

Scandinavian carrier SAS confirmed that it had also received a formal charge-sheet from the Commission.

After receiving the charges, the companies have a chance to respond before the Commission decides whether to fine them.