Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia and Stockholm, Sweden
Programs: VA Platinum, SQ Gold, TK Gold, Hhonors Gold, Accor Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Premium
Posts: 1,144
Have a look at Turkish Airlines also. 2 year renewal cycle. 37,500 miles every 2 years to keep Gold. Usually a status match to get you started. No TK metal requirements. Good EU business class. Istanbul isn't a bad airport with a better than average lounge.
On the downside - crappy service and support on the ground, some difficulty getting partner redemptions. From what a gather a bit worse that A3 but maybe not that much.
I book the first 37500 miles to TK to maintain Gold then the rest to VA. (I spend my time between Europe and Australia.)