KLM and American Express to launch Corporate and Consumer Card Programmes

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and American Express announced today that they have entered into a strategic alliance to launch two payment card programs in The Netherlands, one for corporate clients and one for Flying Dutchman members. A new co-branded American Express KLM Corporate Card, designed to help companies earn savings on business travel expenditure, and a new Flying Dutchman American Express Card, with tailored rewards and benefits, will be available in the first quarter of 2004.

Commenting on the new relationship, Paul Gregorowitsch, Executive Vice-President KLM Commercial, said: "By forming this alliance with American Express, we are bringing together two of the most powerful and respected brands, renowned for quality and service. These new card products will generate considerable benefits for corporate customers and enable Flying Dutchman members to earn FD miles more quickly than ever before. American Express is at the forefront of developments in the card industry and its global presence and world-wide network is invaluable in supporting the needs of today's frequent travellers", he concluded.

The KLM American Express Corporate Card

The KLM American Express Corporate Card Program will replace KLM's proprietary payment product, Traxxer, which will be phased out over the coming 12 months. Existing Traxxer customers, American Express small and medium sized customers and prospective clients will be invited to join the KLM American Express Corporate Card Program. KLM will also join the American Express Corporate Loyalty program (Corporate Savings Plus), a unique offering designed to help small and medium sized companies enjoy savings on a range of corporate expenditure including airline, hotel and car rental. In addition to gaining access to KLM's global network of airport lounges when travelling on business, KLM American Express Corporate Cardmembers will be given priority on KLM's waiting list when flying from Schiphol airport, Amsterdam.

The new Flying Dutchman American Express Card

A choice of four different co-branded Flying Dutchman American Express Cards will be offered to KLM's frequent flyer members, each with its own level of rewards and benefits to reflect KLM's tiered service levels: Blue Plus, Silver, Gold and Platinum Elite. Cardmembers can earn up to 2 KLM Award Miles for every 1 Euro spent on the Card making it the most attractive frequent flyer cards available on the market today. In addition to receiving KLM Miles every time they spend on their Card and having the opportunity to earn double KLM Miles when purchasing a KLM ticket, Flying Dutchmen members benefit from the convenience of owning one card which can be used for making purchases, accruing loyalty miles.

As part of the partnership agreement, KLM will join American Express' award winning loyalty program, 'Membership Rewards', where existing American Express Cardmembers will be able to transfer points into KLM's FD frequent flyer program.

Ed Gilligan, Group President, Global Corporate Services and International Payments, American Express, said: "This new relationship with KLM, one of the world's leading airlines, is a great deal for corporations and consumers. It marks a milestone in our ongoing strategy to form partnerships that deliver superior products and services for our customers. With American Express and KLM joining forces, business and leisure travellers will benefit from innovative products that will be backed up by first - class service wherever and whenever they need it."