Question 4
Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.
Air Namibia suspected of anticompetitive pricing
[20 Marks]
The Namibian Competition Commission has tentatively ruled that Air Namibia (SW, Windhoek
lnt'I) has been abusing its market position by setting prices on its trunk Windhoek lnt'I-Cape
Town route below costs to drive out competitors, The Namibian has reported.
The finding is preliminary and still subject to appeals both from the carrier and from other
affected parties. If found guilty, Air Namibia would face a penalty up to 10% of its global
annual revenue. The NCCalso has the authority to order the carrier to change its pricing.
"The aligning of Air Namibia's prices below its costs is abusive, regardless of whether Air
Namibia's pricing was meant at matching the pricing of its competitors. Air Namibia's pricing
conduct is, therefore, anti-competitive, and has stifled innovation and decreased consumer
choice," the NCCsaid.
The NCCfurther stated that Air Namibia uses state subsidies to effectively engage in price
dumping, as it faces no economic incentive to post operating profits.
The ruling comes after South Africa's Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambe),
which has been flying between Windhoek and Cape Town under a franchise agreement with
South African Airways since 2014, complained about the alleged anti-competitive practices.
Air Namibia said that it was disappointed by the verdict and would submit oral and written
appeals.
Source:
https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/71277-air-namibia-suspected-of-
anticom petitive-p ricing
4.1 In your view, which specific anti-competitive practice is Air Namibia accused of? Motivate
your answer.
(4)
4.2 Discuss five of the other anticompetitive practices managers of oligopolies and
monopolies use that injure society and can unfairly destroy smaller competitors. (10)
4.3 State the three views on public policy in the face of highly concentrated oligopolistic
industries?
(6)
END OF QUESTIONPAPER.
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