Originally Posted by
San Gottardo
Or for the loss of ZRH. On the other hand, VIE or BRU: not such a big loss.
Where they lose out is in Asia. Star Alliance with SQ, TG and NH as well as Oneworld with JL and CX (and a bit further afield with QF) has better partners and hubs. China Arlines, Garuda, Vietnam Airlines… yeeeeeah…. But no.
Whilst I agree that VN and GA have some ways to go in terms of polishing (although GA can be exceptionally good and their newer A330s have a somewhat competitive product), network and most importantly hub quality (the « new » terminal at CGK is probably one of the worst 21st century terminals I’ve even been to) I have to disagree with China Airlines.
CI is probably one of my favourite airlines and is very much up there especially in terms of in flight product. Its a bit of a shame that they do not fly to CDG but they certainly should not be discounted and definitely not lumped together with their mainland counterparts.
The loss of SQ will probably the biggest one as their current JV and their sheer size means they pretty much are the only relevant airline in SE Asia.