Flight Centre has begun preparing its defence after being accused of price fixing by the competition regulator.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission allege that on six occasions between 2005 and 2009 Flight Centre attempted to induce three airlines to stop selling fares that were cheaper than available through its shops.
The move has infuriated Flight Centre managing director Graham Turner who has accused the ACCC of beginning a case it knows it may lose.
“In its recent media commentary, the ACCC has indicated its enforcement area will be taking on more cases where the outcomes may be less certain,” Turner said. “Presumably this is the case in this instance.”
The Australian Financial Review reported today that Turner accused the ACCC of “trumping up” charges out of nothing.
A hearing has been set for April 13.
