ESC QUESTIONS LEVEL OF SECURITY SURCHARGES ON AIR CARGO

ESC QUESTIONS LEVEL OF SECURITY SURCHARGES ON AIR CARGO    The air transport council of the European Shippers’ Council has questioned the level of security surcharges imposed by European airlines after Sept. 11.
   “European shippers meeting in Paris last week said that business following the tragic events of Sept. 11 was back to normal,” the ESC said. While the U.S. trade was still largely affected, flights and volumes in the main other trades were similar to where they were a year ago, the European shipper body said.
   The ESC complained that the surcharge 0.15 euro (13 cents) per kilogram levied by European airlines was of concern to shippers, who felt that these surcharges were too high compared to the effective costs.
   “Shippers would be prepared to pay their contribution to the increased costs associated with the events of Sept. 11, but are sceptical they are paying the real costs,” the ESC said. It warned that shippers would not be prepared to compensate for the losses or general economic slowdown in the aviation industry.
   The ESC said that shippers heard statements made by European airlines after Sept. 11 in which they justified the need for concerted action amongst airlines, in particular to reduce capacity, and the possible need to be exempted from European competition rules.
   “Shippers condemn any form of collusion or cartel-like behavior from carriers in an attempt to exploit the post Sept. 11 situation,” the European shipper group said.