Is Velocity almost defunct for long-haul business class rewards?

[BriarFlyer]

I'm looking at award fights from Athens back to MEL/SYD or BNE next October. I can currently see J seats from Athens to Doha but then nothing back to Australia.

I've also been watching Europe-Australia in October and, from what I've observed, there's been nothing on VA-numbered flights released (unless I'm really, really slow at release time!) And the QR flights are long-gone to Avios, this being school holidays. Best I could do was to DPS but I decided to hold out as this wasn't the best date for my needs and I'm hoping there will be a "delayed" release on VA flights.

 

[dvt]

I've also been watching Europe-Australia in October and, from what I've observed, there's been nothing on VA-numbered flights released (unless I'm really, really slow at release time!) And the QR flights are long-gone to Avios, this being school holidays. Best I could do was to DPS but I decided to hold out as this wasn't the best date for my needs and I'm hoping there will be a "delayed" release on VA flights.

I hadn't thought about DPS, will keep this in mind given I ultimately need to get to CNS