Malaysian Airlines has been fined $6 million after admitting to fixing freight prices with other international carriers.

After being pursued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Malaysian Airlines admitted to reaching understandings with other airlines about certain charges for fuel, security and customs between 2001 and 2005.

The Federal Court in Sydney imposed a fine of $6 million, and ordered the airline to pay $500,000 towards the ACCC’s court costs.

The ACCC has pursued other airlines over similar behaviour, and is still involved in legal action against Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Air New Zealand and Thai Airways International.

“This penalty sees the total penalties ordered against this international cartel increase to a record $58 million,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.

“These penalties are the highest generated by a single ACCC Investigation.”