Hertz has extended its long-term preferred partnership with Air France, Europe's largest airline, until 2013.

Air France, Hertz's first European airline partner, has collaborated with the car rental company for the past 21 years. Air France passengers can continue to access all the car rental convenience offered by Hertz at the airline's international destinations and at any of Hertz' 8,200 locations in more than 146 countries worldwide.

As part of the global partnership, Air France customers will continue to benefit from preferential rates across a range of Hertz vehicles. Flying Blue members will also earn benefits including discounts of up to 15 percent and up to 800 Flying Blue Miles on each rental. The most frequent travelers are also rewarded with free car upgrades and invitations to join the exclusive Hertz #1 Club Gold program, giving them fast track travel at participating locations around the world.

Hertz is also the exclusive partner of Air France - KLM American Express Platinum credit card, which provides cardholders with a wide variety of attractive benefits such as the option of having your rented car delivered or picked up free of charge at the address of your choice.

Michel Taride, president of Hertz International, said: "Over our 20-year history, Hertz's partnership with Air France has grown from strength to strength, supported by the fact that we share common values such as our commitment to customer service and quality. As industry partners, we are determined to provide a great travel experience for our customers, offering superior access, flexibility, value, quality of service and speed across a number of Europe's key airport destinations. The extended partnership means we can continue to supply customers with a number of premium benefits, such as Flying Blue miles through car rental and vehicle upgrades with the Air France-KLM American Express Platinum credit card."

Bruno Matheu, executive vice president of marketing, revenue management and network of Air France, said: "The continuation of our partnership with Hertz enables us to offer a stronger customer proposition worldwide, allowing us to take care of our customers with great savings, offers and rewards. This partnership has allowed Air France passengers to access Hertz's great value car hire and we are confident that millions more passengers will opt for Hertz car rentals when they travel on any of Air France's flights."