Cathay Pacific said it is considering legal action after receiving a €57.1 million fine from the European Commission for its involvement in a global cargo alliance with 10 other airlines.

The commission presented the 11 airlines with a fine totalling up to €799.4 million earlier this week after the commission discovered they had “coordinated pricing on their cargo business”, AFP reported.

The European Commission Vice President for Competition, Joaquin Almunia said he hopes other airlines receive the message that cartel operations would not be tolerated.

''It is deplorable that so many airlines co-ordinated their pricing to the detriment of European businesses and European consumers,'' Mr Almunia said.
Cathay Pacific spokesperson said the airline was discussing its options with legal advisers.

“Cathay Pacific remains committed to its long standing policy of full compliance with the law and reaffirms its support of full and fair competition among air carriers,” she said.

“We are reviewing our options, that is all we can do for now.”

According to European Commission the airlines conducted their business over a six year period between December 1999 and February 2006.

Other airlines involved include Air France KLM who received the biggest fine of €310 million, British Airways was ordered to pay €104 million, Singapore Airlines received €74.8 million and LAN Airlines Chile was fined €8.2 million.