A group of Chilean exporters represented by law firm Araya & Cia have started to receive payments of US$500,000 from a New York district court, following a class action against 42 airlines for collusion.

The airlines involved include American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa Cargo, Lan Airlines and Cargolux, among others.

An Araya & Cia release said the airlines were accused of price collusion on fuel and security surcharges during a period between January 2000 and September 2006.

The release highlighted more than 1803 companies would receive compensation, with US$113 million distributed between the parties according to their interests.

In addition there will be a fund of US$207 million to benefit those who have transported to or from the U.S. with the airlines over the period.

Those affected have a deadline of Jul. 27 this year to take part in the compensatory process.

"Our office is working with several exporters of fruit, salmon and other products, which sent cargo during this period of time, with the aim of participating in the class action so they can receive compensation payments based on the amount of freight paid," lawyer and firm partner Matías Araya.

"Overall there has been little participation from other Latin American companies, except for some Colombian companies," he added.

The airlines involved

Araya Varela told www.freshfruitportal.com the following 42 airlines were involved in the claim:

Aerolíneas Brasileras S.A. (ABSA)

Air Canada or AC Cargo LP

Air China Cargo Company or Air China Ltd.

Air India.

Air France (Societé Air France)

Air Mauritius Ltd.

Air New Zealand (Airways Corp of New Zealand Ltd.)

Alitalia Linee Aeree Italiane S.P.A.

All Nipon Airways Co. Ltd.

American Airlines, Inc. or AMR Corporation.

Asiana Airlines, Inc.

British Airways PLC

Cargolux Airlines International S.A.

Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd.

DAS Air Ltd. (DAS Air Cargo)

El Al Israel Airlines.

Emirates Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Corp.

EVA Airways Corporation

Japan Airlines International Co., Ltd.

Kenya Airways Limited.

Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. (KLM)

Korean Airlines Co., Ltd.

Lan Airlines S.A. (Lan Chile) or Lan Cargo S.A.

Lufthansa Cargo AG or Deutsche Lufthansa AG

Malaysia Airlines

Martinair Holland N.V.

Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd.

Polar Air Cargo Inc. Or Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

Qantas Airways Limited

SAS Cargo Group A/S or Scandinavian Airlines System.

Saudi Arabian Airlines, Ltd.

Singapore Airlines Cargo PTE, Ltd. Or Singapore Airlines Ltd.

South African Airways (Propietary) Ltd.

Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited.

Vicao Aerea Rio-Grandense S.A. (VARIG)

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