European Commission officials today raided the premises of British Airways and other airlines over alleged price-fixing on cargo shipping.

BA confirmed that it had received a request for information from both the EC and the US Department of Justice "relating to alleged cartel activity involving BA and a number of other airlines and cargo operators".

The Commission said that it had carried out "unannounced inspections" at the various premises as it had "reason to believe the companies concerned may have violated Article 81 EC-Treaty, which prohibits practices such as price fixing".

It is understood the investigation also involves a number of other major carriers including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific.

BA said tonight: "British Airways’ policy is to conduct its business in full compliance with all the applicable competition laws. BA is assisting the EC and the US Department of Justice with their investigation."

The EC said tonight: "The European Commission can confirm that on February 14, 2006, commission officials carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several air cargo carriers in several EU member states.

"The commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant national competition authorities.

"Surprise inspections are a preliminary step in investigations into suspected cartels. The fact that the EC carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The EC respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.

"There is no strict deadline to complete cartel inquiries. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned cooperate and the exercise of the rights of defence."

The EU and United States have had several trade disputes involving both passenger aircraft development subsidies, as well as the use of transatlantic routes, an important component of British Airways' business.

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