- Etihad Airways expands the EY-ZERO1 NFT collection with an eleventh 3D aircraft model based on the Polygon platform.
- NFT holders enjoy exclusive benefits, including Etihad Guest Silver Tier status, priority check-in, lounge access, and the opportunity to earn miles by staking their NFTs.
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s flagship carrier, is preparing to launch a new 300-editions expansion of its EY–ZERO1 non-fungible token (NFT) collection based on the Polygon platform.
The limited-edition release, which launched on August 1, is the eleventh 3D aircraft model to join the prestigious EY-ZERO1 NFT collection.
The release of the new limited edition comes after the collection’s first appearance in July 2022. The (NFTs) are inspired by the Mission: Impossible-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These NFTs were revealed as part of a promotional tour for the highly anticipated film “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.”
Holders of the recently launched NFT collection can look forward to a wide range of exclusive benefits. These benefits include Etihad Guest Silver Tier Status, priority check-in, access to Abu Dhabi International Airport lounges, and the ability to stake their assets and earn miles.
Upon its initial launch, the EY-ZERO1 collection granted holders the prestigious Etihad Silver Tier status for a period of one year. Furthermore, these prestigious holders were granted exclusive access to a highly sought-after event at the prestigious Yas Marina Circuit Formula 1 race, which was specifically curated for NFT holders.
Etihad Airways’ partnership with Arcube, a company specializing in real-world asset tokenization, has facilitated the development of these advanced NFT offerings. Arcube has been officially recognized as Etihad Airways’ Web3 partner, supporting its efforts to expand its blockchain-based initiatives. The NFTs can be purchased with either cryptocurrency or credit cards, thanks to the involvement of infrastructure company Crossmint.
Etihad’s vision goes beyond simply providing exclusive NFT collectibles. The airline has stated that it will launch a new loyalty program called “Horizon Club” in September. The program includes a staking-for-miles feature allowing community members to securely lock their NFTs in exchange for Etihad Guest Miles. By redeeming these miles for flights, upgrades, and a variety of other benefits, NFT holders can increase the value proposition.
Web3 loyalty programs are becoming increasingly popular in the airline industry. Etihad has joined the ranks of forward-thinking airlines actively investigating the possibilities of blockchain technology to provide innovative rewards to their customers. Similarly, Flybondi, an Argentina-based low-cost airline, partnered with TravelX, a company specializing in NFT ticketing. As a result, Flybondi now sells all of its tickets as NFTs on the Algorand blockchain. Furthermore, TravelX previously collaborated with Air Europa, a Spanish airline, to launch a collection of NFT tickets associated with exclusive benefits and special events.
Similarly, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline group, has recently launched its NFT marketplace. This action lays the groundwork for a comprehensive Web3 strategy that includes providing a metaverse travel experience in which passengers’ flight histories are seamlessly integrated into their digital avatars.
