MR ISKANDAR Dahlan, who flies from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur at least twice a month for business, is switching from full-service to low-cost flights.

For the general manager of vessel-charter firm Pacific Richfield Marine, the liberalisation of the sector from today is well-timed.

The 40-year-old said: 'Given current economic conditions, all companies are in belt-tightening mode, and one way to cut costs is to cut travel spending.'

With the opening up of the Singapore-KL air sector, all restrictions on one of Asia's most restricted routes have been lifted to allow low-cost carriers to operate more flights.

Jetstar Asia and Tiger Airways have flown the route since February, but just one flight each a day. AirAsia has run two.

From today, low-cost carriers can run as many as 14 flights, up from four. Full-service airlines will operate more than 15.

The limited flights were one reason Pacific Richfield flew its executives to KL and other Asian destinations on full-service carriers, even though this more than doubled its travel bill.

Barring promotions, all-inclusive return fares for mainline carriers such as Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) exceed $350. Low-cost fares average $200 or less.

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.