Lufthansa, a major airline group in Europe, has launched its nonfungible token (NFT) loyalty program, enabling passengers to convert their flights into NFTs and redeem them for rewards such as miles and business lounge vouchers.
On August 31, Lufthansa announced the Uptrip mobile application, a collaboration between the Lufthansa Innovation Hub, the airline group’s digital innovation branch, and the airline’s frequent flyer program, Miles & More.
According to the announcement, airline passengers can exchange their boarding permits for NFT trading cards by scanning them with the app. Users must attach their cryptocurrency wallets to the app to mint and transfer Uptrip NFTs.
Passengers will be eligible for rewards such as flight upgrades, airport lounge access, frequent traveler status, and award miles once they have completed specific NFT collections.
Kristian Weymar, a Lufthansa Innovation Hub executive, stated in the announcement that Web3 is in its infancy, as users are interested but hesitant to join. Weymar emphasized that the initiative aims to make Web3 accessible to their clients.
According to Christopher Siegloch, director of program development at Miles & More, Uptrip has generated considerable interest. The announcement noted over 20,000 sign-ups and over two hundred thousand NFT trading cards have been printed.
Lufthansa expressed interest in integrating Web3 technologies into its operations earlier this year. Johannes Walter of Lufthansa Group stated in an interview on May 12 that decentralization and tokenization will create opportunities for new business models.
In the meantime, additional airline industry participants have declared their intent to implement Web3 in their enterprises. In 2022, Emirates, the largest airline in the United Arab Emirates, announced intentions to accept Bitcoin payments and launch NFTs.
