Another Cityflyer route is being munched on by Tiger, this time Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Brisbane, up to three times daily from March 28.

A pattern is becoming apparent. The Singapore Airlines controlled low fare carrier is helping itself to the key Qantas high fare routes.

This isn’t just a pain for Qantas but further undermines the supposed quarantining of Jetstar low fare services from competing with the parent airline. A Jetstar that isn’t as conveniently scheduled as Tiger can’t really be effective in fending off the pressure the predator is putting on its fares, or on the concept of full service short haul flights which appears to be in decline anyhow. And Jetstar is the only really profitable operation Qantas is flying within Australia.

The Brisbane route is significant too in being the last part of the once golden triangle to get Tiger flights.