Beijing looms as competitive focal point for Scoot and Jetstar

Jetstar this week commenced flights between Singapore and Beijing on a timetable that was, uncannily or not, subsequently replicated by incumbent carrier Singapore Airlines to create its fourth daily service on the route. SIA's new service, due to commence 16-Dec-2011, arrives in Beijing at 1am and departs at 2am. But is that really a timetable appealing to SIA's premium traffic? Or has SIA started the route so it can be quickly handed over to its new low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, once it commences operations?