OREANDA-NEWS. October 15, 2012. Tyumen Regional Arbitration Court pronounced legitimacy of holding “Yamal” Aviation Transportation Company” OJSC administratively liable and imposing a fine – 2,658,723.31 Rubles, reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

The Commission of the Tyumen Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (Tyumen OFAS Russia) established that for three years (2008 – 2010) “UTair” OJSC and “Yamal” Aviation Transportation Company” OJSC had been fixing excessive airfares for the Tyumen – Sochi – Tyumen route.

The airlines raised the normal airfares for the economy class and fixed new tariffs based on the competitor’s tariff. The airlines failed to exercise their own pricing policy and did not apply the market mechanisms of demand – supply regulation. For instance, in summer 2009 the airlines twice increased the regular tariffs; at the same time with each change the tariff increase was identical. FAS proved that the actions of the airlines were concerted and dependent.

Investigating the case, FAS revealed signs of violating of Article 11 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” (concerted actions of economic entities). The Commission of Tyumen OFAS Russia issued a decision and determination to stop violating the antimonopoly law and imposed fines upon the airlines.

However, “Yamal” Aviation Transportation Company” OJSC disagreed with the decision of Tyumen OFAS Russia and filed a lawsuit to Tyumen Regional Arbitration Court. However, the Court pronounced legitimacy of the actions of Tyumen OFAS Russia and upheld the fine.