I don't think it's surprising at all, I'm sure the card will be dual branded with both logos, but why have two separate programs when you don't need to? Extra complexity and cost with no benefits for the bottom line.

I do wonder where the "It looks like a premium AS credit card is on the way" is coming from though. The only perks they could offer are all bad for frequent flyers. It'll be lounge access, automatic MVP or Gold, etc.