Hola a todos,
I'm a former frequent flyer, and I've just accepted a new job that's going to make me a frequent flyer again. I've just started researching, but so much has changed. I'm trying to establish a reasonable points/status strategy before they send me on my first trip... so here's where I'm at, and hopefully this makes sense.

I'm based in Ecuador, and the bulk of my flights will be to Europe and the USA. I'll also have a few regional trips in S. America. I'm looking at Star Alliance, as the airport I'm closest to (MEC) only has Avianca (LM) as an option. International flights leave out of GYE (3 hr drive) and UIO (8 hr drive, or 1 hr flight out of MEC) Star alliance partners seem to also fly most places I'll be going, and Copa is also included in Star Alliance. I usually fly Copa on trips to the US for personal trips.

I have a decent amount of flexibility with my employer, I can chose to fly with a preferred airline/partner as long as it's not too far out of range of the rest of the options available. The bulk of my international trips will be in business class.

So the big question is, which program is better between Avianca LifeMiles and Copa ConnectMiles (or would y'all recommend a different Star Alliance program?) I'm looking to get status the quickest possible, and I can't find details on Avianca's program as to how many segments you get based on class booked. For example, if I book a local trip (MEC-UIO) round trip in business class, how many qualifying segments will that net me? Any other thoughts/advice on which program is the best within the Star Alliance to earn status quickly / keep it easier?

TYIA