The United Arab Emirates (UAE) largest airline Emirates, has announced its intentions to accept Bitcoin (BTC) payments and issue nonfungible tokens (NFTs) for trading on its websites.
The chief operating officer of Emirates, Adel Ahmed Al-Redha, reportedly stated at a media gathering held at the Arabian Travel Market that the Dubai-based airline will be onboarding new employees who will be focused on blockchain-related projects such as crypto payments, blockchain tracking, metaverse, and NFTs.
Al-Redha says the airline is looking into adopting blockchain to maintain track of aircraft records. In addition, the airline official stated that the metaverse may be used to digitalize activities such as operations, training, website sales, and other airline-related events. This, according to the airline’s chief operating officer, will make the processes “more engaging.”
Apart from that, Al-Redha stated that the aviation business is gradually making a comeback as more and more travelers arrive. To broaden its appeal, the company is adopting new technologies such as a Bitcoin payment service and tradeable NFT collectibles.
Airlines and the crypto space
Airports and airlines all across the world are investigating ways to combine blockchain-based technologies with cryptocurrency payments. Air France teamed with various firms in February 2021 to develop a blockchain-based mechanism for verifying COVID-19 test results.
The Latvian airline airBaltic added Dogecoin (DOGE) and Ether (ETH) to its payment choices in March 2021. Since 2014, the airline has accepted BTC and other cryptocurrencies such as USD Coin (USDC), Binance USD (BUSD), and Gemini Dollar (GUSD).
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele declared in October 2021 that the airline Volaris El Salvador would accept BTC payments. El Salvador pushed for BTC adoption when it declared the cryptocurrency official tender.