Airline KLM has been fined €127m and its subsidiary Martinair €29m for their role in a European cargo cartel.

The fines were levied by the European Commission on a total of 11 airlines. The cartel operated between 1999 and 2006. KLM’s parent Air France had the biggest fine of €182m.
In a statement, KLM-Air France said the fines are ‘disproportionate,’ and that it will appeal against the decision.
The airlines are also likely to face damages claims from freight firms who were affected by the cartel.
Several other countries have also investigated, or are investigating airline cartels. According to Business Week magazine, Air France-KLM has already paid out almost €330m in fines and class-action awards in the US, Canada and Australia.
Air France-KLM set aside €530m in 2008 to pay the fines.