Impulse Airlines has released more than 4,000 seats on its Sydney-Brisbane route for a one-way fare of just $39. The fare is a new record low for any domestic route but is only available for sale over the Internet via Impulse's website.

Qantas has since followed suit releasing a $38.50 internet-only one-way fare on the same route. These tickets are available for travel between 5 March and 8 April bookings must be made between 4-18 March. Both airlines have made their fares non-refundable. Most of these discount fares were sold yesterday but Impulse says it will consider adding more to tickets to the offer later this week.

These offers raise the competition stakes again in the continuing battle between the four domestic airlines. Qantas has cut 1,500 jobs, suspended its Canada and China services and is considering launching its own cut-price international airline. Ansett is concentrating on its level of service, promoting the standard of their meals and wine, hoping this will offer travellers a different alternative. Impulse and Virgin Blue keep chipping away at the established players with new and better discount offers while planning expansion to other major routes.