Connecting America to Europe: Air France-KLM's Strategic Moves Offer New Credit Option

Image: Air France plane (Photo Credit: Air France)
Image: Air France plane (Photo Credit: Air France)
Eraine Wessler
by Eraine Wessler
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Tue March 24, 2026

Air France-KLM is doubling down on the American market with the launch of a new co-branded credit card and expanded nonstop service from Phoenix, now entereing its second year, giving U.S. travelers more ways to connect with the airline and its global network.

The airline introduced its new Air France-KLM Visa Signature Card in the United States on January 21, 2026, replacing its long-standing Mastercard co-branded product. 

Issued through Bank of America, the card carries an $89 annual fee—an unchanged and competitive price point in a U.S. travel rewards market dominated by offerings from Chase, American Express and Capital One. 

New Flying Blue visa

New Flying Blue visa (Photo Credit: Air France)

The upgraded card brings a stronger earning structure for Flying Blue loyalty members. 

Cardholders now earn 3 miles per dollar on direct bookings with Air France, KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines, along with a newly added 3 miles per dollar on dining—a category that was not previously accelerated. 

All other purchases earn 1.5 miles per dollar, providing a solid baseline return on everyday spending. The enhancements are designed to help members earn status faster while getting more value out of their daily lives.

The card launch is part of Flying Blue's broader strategy to expand its co-branded partnerships across key global markets, and it arrives at a time when Air France-KLM is also growing its footprint in the U.S. through increased flight options.

Nowhere is that expansion more visible than in Phoenix. Air France launched nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris on May 23, 2024—the first-ever nonstop connection between Phoenix and France. 

The route debuted with a Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner featuring 279 seats and quickly proved its worth, prompting the airline to upgrade to a larger Boeing 777-200 with 328 seats for the winter season.

Beginning May 5, 2025, Air France increased service to five flights per week, up from three, and upgraded the aircraft to an Airbus A350-900. 

The new configuration features a larger business class cabin with 34 seats and a total capacity of 324 seats. Flights depart Paris at 10:45 a.m., arriving in Phoenix at 12:50 p.m., before heading back to Paris at 3:05 p.m. and arriving the following morning at 10:10 a.m.

Together, the new Visa Signature Card and the growing Phoenix service reflect Air France-KLM's commitment to deepening its relationship with American travelers—offering them both better rewards on the ground and more ways to get off it.


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