By Karamjit Kaur, Aviation Correspondent

TWO weeks before all barriers are lifted on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur route to allow low-cost airlines free access, the big boys are slashing fares by up to 60 per cent to retain market share.

Malaysia Airlines fired the first salvo on Friday with its offer of $172 nett for a round-trip fare - $89 out of Singapore and RM199 out of KL.

Singapore Airlines will release tickets at $293 next week, the airline told The Straits Times.

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