Australasia: Airlines get together to fight airport charges

Airlines are stepping up their fight against airport charges, with a new Australasian group flexing its muscle. Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) chiefs are scheduled to meet airport representatives, government departments and ministers later this month to press its case. The group represents airlines operating on either side of the Tasman. It includes Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Tigerair. Its chairman, Prof Graeme Samuel, said airports were using their monopoly positions to effectively charge what they like. "Aeronautical charges are simply imposed and its very difficult to negotiate otherwise. It is essentially because airports are monopolies.'' Samuel previously served as the chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for eight years until 2011. ''My take is that New Zealand has an even lighter regulatory regime than we do in Australia. Airlines are very conscious of every aspect of the consumer experience, from the moment they leave home to the airport, through check-in and through the retail area and to land at the other end, is affected by airport charges.''<br/>