Aviation plays a fundamental role in connecting people, economies and cultures throughout the world. Consequently, this industry is strictly linked to the socio-economic environment and how it develops over time. In addition, technological advances and innovations of all kinds affect aviation on a daily basis, both from an operational and managerial perspective.
Several airlines, for example, are investing in adopting non-fungible tokens, also known as NFT technology. The latest addition to the list is low-cost carrier (LCC) Vueling. Let’s take a closer look at what the Spanish airline has in store.
Vueling to enable NFT payments in second half of 2023
On January 13, the Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling Airlines, part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), and Criptan, a platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, announced a collaboration thanks to which both parties will explore the possibility of Vueling adopting NFT- the technology and thus crypto payments.
According to Vueling, the collaboration with Criptan will enable the carrier to increase the convenience of its customers, who will be able to pay for airline tickets using cryptocurrency. For such a service to be implemented, Vueling Airlines will rely on the Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP) technology, i.e. the global payment network for the airline industry. By collaborating with an expert in blockchain technology and NFTs, Vueling aims to explore the possibility of adopting innovative payment solutions, continuously improving the user experience by leveraging digital tools.
Photo: Vueling Airlines
Assume that the results of the alliance between Vueling and Criptan are positive. If so, the Spanish low-cost company will become the first European operator to accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. According to Vueling, customers will be able to purchase tickets using this method from the second half of 2023.
Vueling’s Head of Distribution and Alliances, Jesús Monzó, commented on the newly announced partnership by stating:
“This agreement places us at the forefront of new technologies and innovation, further strengthening our commitment to our customers and offering the best and most advanced tools and solutions on our website“
On the other hand, Jorge Soriano, CEO of Criptan, emphasized how the alliance aims to leverage the convenience brought by the adoption of the crypto and web3 ecosystem to bring the airline customer experience to the next level.
Photo: Lucas RS/Shutterstock
The future of air travel?
The recently announced partnership with Cripta clearly demonstrates Vueling’s strong commitment to funding growth on innovation. Although the Spanish airline will be the first European low-cost airline to adopt the NFT technology, other airlines have also moved in this direction.
For example, Latvian flag carrier airBaltic claims to be the first airline worldwide to introduce the option to pay for airline tickets with Bitcoins. In 2021, Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP) partnered with BitPay, a cryptocurrency payment provider, enabling 300 member airlines and travel sellers to provide customers with this type of innovative payment method.
Photo: Arseniy Shemyakin Photo/Shutterstock
Have you ever considered paying for a plane ticket using cryptocurrency? Or have you already experienced it? Let us know by clicking the comment button below!
