Domestically, SAA is at the top of the airline pecking order, an advantage which Nationwide Airlines is claiming they have abused. For that reason they’re suing them, to the tune of R155 million. That’s a lot of flights.
In their second claim for damages against SAA, Nationwide have accused SAA of using their dominant position in the local travel industry to influence travel agents. More specifically, they claim that SAA forced travel agents not to sell domestic air tickets for competitors.
Lucinda Vester, a partner at legal firm Bowman Gilfillan, representing Nationwide, says her client had suffered damages of R118,4 million, but that an interest rate of 15.5% a year had brought the amount to R155 million.
Nationwide’s first claim for damages against SAA was successful after the Competition Tribunal found the latter guilty of anti-competitive conduct. The airlines settled outside court for an undisclosed amount.
SAA had said that it would defend the latest claim.
[Source: Fin24]
