I've been an enthusiastic Star Alliance member via Asiana for half a decade or so now. But now Asiana is being swallowed up by Korean Air, I guess my credits will all be switched across to SkyTeam somehow. Which is disappointing because... SkyTeam.
So which Star Alliance membership do y'all suggest I move on to now? Which has the best benefits? I guess I'm more interested in status and lounge access than in points. That 24-48 month status maintain was sweet as.
I'd say it's a rather safe bet at this stage that VA will hopefully join Star now at some point. so either go Singapore Air or United if not Virgin directly optimistically waiting for when they join Star.
it really comes down to where you're more likely to travel, but seeing as you were using Asiana, SIA is a closer match than the others.
I'd say it's a rather safe bet at this stage that VA will hopefully join Star now at some point. so either go Singapore Air or United if not Virgin directly optimistically waiting for when they join Star.
it really comes down to where you're more likely to travel, but seeing as you were using Asiana, SIA is a closer match than the others.
It would ultimately be up to Bain to decide whether if the CapEx required for VA to join Star makes a 'return on their investment', as per the view of Private Equity firms.
If the 'return on investment' stacks up and/or UA are willing to spend the money for them (which may potentially include UA buying a part stake in VA in the future from Bain), then the chances of VA joining would increase (historical issues with NZ put aside).
I had a chance to read an industry insider only analysis, and I'm with one of the above mentioned companies.
The main reason why Virgin Australia's finances used to be bad is due to the joint venture with Hainan Airlines and HongKong Airlines, and too many aircraft types. By simplifying to just a single type (the Boeing 737 MAX should be regarded as a whole new plane), focusing on one brand over the competition's now confusing dual brand positioning, Virgin Australia has the potential to be the largest domestic airlne by passengers carried.
Now the most important question is, can you afford to travel to the amount of at least AUD 15,000? Exclude business travel especially if you don't pay for your tickets.
Me as airline end.
Wait for when Asiana Club ends, then all the status match offers will come. Virgin is not going to join Star. Qantas has to decide first. I can tell you it is not those 2 Star members who will buy stake. It is Cathay.
Sk4nder
Sk4nder
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 11 May 2015
Total posts 13
I've been an enthusiastic Star Alliance member via Asiana for half a decade or so now. But now Asiana is being swallowed up by Korean Air, I guess my credits will all be switched across to SkyTeam somehow. Which is disappointing because... SkyTeam.
So which Star Alliance membership do y'all suggest I move on to now? Which has the best benefits? I guess I'm more interested in status and lounge access than in points. That 24-48 month status maintain was sweet as.
:'-(
Madhatter49
Madhatter49
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 11 Dec 2016
Total posts 85
I'd say it's a rather safe bet at this stage that VA will hopefully join Star now at some point. so either go Singapore Air or United if not Virgin directly optimistically waiting for when they join Star.
it really comes down to where you're more likely to travel, but seeing as you were using Asiana, SIA is a closer match than the others.
DanV
DanV
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 04 Nov 2017
Total posts 96
Originally Posted by Madhatter49
I'd say it's a rather safe bet at this stage that VA will hopefully join Star now at some point. so either go Singapore Air or United if not Virgin directly optimistically waiting for when they join Star.
it really comes down to where you're more likely to travel, but seeing as you were using Asiana, SIA is a closer match than the others.
If the 'return on investment' stacks up and/or UA are willing to spend the money for them (which may potentially include UA buying a part stake in VA in the future from Bain), then the chances of VA joining would increase (historical issues with NZ put aside).
levinn
levinn
Etihad - Etihad Guest
Member since 19 Mar 2018
Total posts 21
I had a chance to read an industry insider only analysis, and I'm with one of the above mentioned companies.
The main reason why Virgin Australia's finances used to be bad is due to the joint venture with Hainan Airlines and HongKong Airlines, and too many aircraft types. By simplifying to just a single type (the Boeing 737 MAX should be regarded as a whole new plane), focusing on one brand over the competition's now confusing dual brand positioning, Virgin Australia has the potential to be the largest domestic airlne by passengers carried.
Now the most important question is, can you afford to travel to the amount of at least AUD 15,000? Exclude business travel especially if you don't pay for your tickets.
Me as airline end.
Wait for when Asiana Club ends, then all the status match offers will come. Virgin is not going to join Star. Qantas has to decide first. I can tell you it is not those 2 Star members who will buy stake. It is Cathay.