I received some comments, some readers understood the point I was trying to make, whereas some other readers chastened me for not earning my SQ status and not deserving it.
From a business point of view, I can hardly say that SQ impresses me.
As I explained in my previous post, during these difficult times, it makes sense for businesses to try to gain more market share. Try to convert previous non-customers to become new regular customers.
Cos... it's during these difficult times, that there's opportunity. There are less flights globally, so now's the best time to try to get people to try new carriers.
So recently, I was looking for ways to fly back to SG.
I wanted to fly from Houston to France to SG, cos I'm used to AirFrance, but that's troublesome cos I need to take a swab test 3 days before going to France.
I wanted to fly from Houston to Taiwan to SG, cos I'm familiar with Taiwan, but there aren't any EVA flights out of Houston.
Wanted to fly to San Frans then to SG, but there's no direct flights from San Frans so SG, I have to fly from Houston to San Frans, then to Tokyo, then SG.
Qatar Airways stood out.
Qatar Airways has led the industry during these challenging times taking people home safely and reliably on more flights to more destinations than any other airline, becoming the largest airline in the world over the past three months. These efforts have established the carrier as the airline passengers, governments and industry partners can rely on and trust.
https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/qatar-airways-becomes-largest-carrier-operating-over-15000-flights-to-take-18m-people-home
Simply put, they are trying very hard and are probably succeeding.
From Houston, there are only a couple of flights back to SG, most need to transit through 2 cities.
However, if I fly by Qatar via Doha, I only need to transit once.
You see, during these trying times, people are more willing to try new things. Cos we don't have a choice.
And it gives businesses an opportunity to impress new customers.
So that when COVID is over and business returns to normal, these new customers would have tried a new experience and maybe they would like it and continue to fly with them in future.
I would never have thought about flying on Qatar in any normal circumstance. BUT, these days, when there aren't many options, I tried it.
And they are impressive.
Nice food, good service, entertainment system is good too.
Good modern, etc... I flew via economy, and based on my limited experience flying with SQ, I would say AirFrance & Qatar are better than SQ already.
Transiting at Doha is also pleasant.
It's almost like Changi Airport. There are lots of open shops, luxury outlets, food courts, etc
It's like Jewel shopping area, but within the transit area.
AND millions of business travelers are experiencing this during this period. Cos Qatar Airways is flying people home via Doha.
It isn't hard to see what this means 5 years down the road when COVID is over.
Unfortunately, Qatar Airways isn't listed. Else I'd seriously consider buying some shares.
That's the thing about it. I look at how Qatar Airways is managing this crisis, vs how SQ or any other airlines/airport is handling it.
It's different. And it's impressive.
Anyway, that's just my current impression of SQ vs Qatar Airways based on my limited experience with them. Maybe I'm wrong and reality is different but... ah well... who knows.
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