Brussels, 21/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 21 December, the European Commission confirmed that it has sent a 'Statement of Objections' to a number of companies concerning their alleged participation in a cartel in the provision of airfreight services. The companies British Airways (the United Kingdom) and Scandinavian Airlines (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) have confirmed that they have received notifications from the Commission and have both said they are prepared to cooperate with the authorities. The Commission explains that the statements of objection follow an investigation carried out with the United States Justice Department to uncover suspected illegal collusion by air freight companies. The companies are suspected of price fixing of fuel, security and insurance surcharges. Earlier this year, British Airways was fined £269 million (€370 million) by the British and US authorities for an illegal cartel with their competitors on the long-haul flights market. (C.D.)