British Airways has refused to comment on reports that US prosecutors are preparing to launch extradition proceedings against four BA executives over last year’s price fixing scandal.
Two former employees and two current employees are believed to be facing extradition to the US and, if convicted, could face prison sentences of more than 20 years.
Allegations of price fixing emerged early in 2006 and a few months later BA’s commercial director Martin George and head of communications Iain Burns were given leave of absence. They resigned last autumn.
A report in the Times newspaper claims two current BA executives are also being investigated, one a senior executive in the marketing department and the other a ‘rising star’ on the commercial side.
Earlier this month BA admitted that it had breached competition laws and said it has set aside £350 million to cover any legal costs.
By Bev Fearis
