The end of an era, but i always assumed that the original impetus was the connection between KLM/Holland and the Indonesian oil industry. IIRC KLM (not AF) had the petroleum program, which gave access to special lounges in hotel function rooms rather than in the airport, long before the partnership with AF and the start of the FB FF program. I always thought that the structure of the program and its perks were very quirky, but it obviously worked for some in the industry.