With all the uncertainty, we live in interesting times. But ever since I joined Qualiflyer in late 1995, it has been an interesting time. One by one, I watched as unheard-of airline after unheard-of airline joined the programme, and the marketing value of the programme increased to the point where I found it the most user-friendly, attractive and tempting one to follow.

It has been so sad to see the demise of its flag carriers, not because they weren't any good, or operated unprofitable routes or provided inadequate service (the service was among the best around), but because of mismanagemant, ill-advised investment and goodness knows what else.

With Austrian Airlines etc. and Delta Air Lines in its fold, it was clearly at its strongest. But many of the subsequent partners introduced a lot of new hubs, routes and possiblities for the traveller, making it quite exciting.

Now much of that has been eroded, where do we stand now and what does the future hold?