First a bit of history. Jetstar currently operate a very popular daily service to Singapore which departs Darwin at 6:20pm, arriving at 9:20pm. The only reason it is popular is because it is just about the only way to reach Singapore and beyond from Darwin without back tracking within Australia. It arrives in time for connecting flights to Europe but inevitably too late for connections elsewhere in Asia, meaning that those travelling on to Thailand or China for example need an over night stay in Singapore.
Jetstar previously operated twice daily flights to Singapore which successfully scared off Tiger which operated a daily service for a number of years. With the imminent arrival of SilkAir, Jetstar is once again on the prowl ready to defend its turf.
SilkAir announced on 13 December 4 full service flights per week with evening departures from Singapore and a redeye return from Darwin arriving back in the Lion City at 5:30am. Return prices start at $SGD 659.80 (about $AUD 496) rising to $SGD989.80 ($AUD 675).
Jetstar have yet to publish any details of their 3 new services so it will be interesting to see what time and days they add. Daylight morning departures with an early evening return to Darwin would be very popular. This assumes they are Darwin based services and not Singapore based 3K services.
On price Jetstar can expect to be ruthless. In the past they have offered one way specials of $99. Currently at the end of March a return flight can be had for as little as $279, with baggage and food extra. Even after factoring in say $100 for baggage and meals, Jetstar can expect to come in well below SilkAir's current advertised prices.
The next moves by Jetstar and SilkAir in this game of cat and mouse will be interesting to observe.