• Vueling, a Spanish low-cost airline, is exploring the use of blockchain and NFT technology to enable customers to purchase plane tickets with cryptocurrency.
• The airline has partnered with Criptan, a registered Spanish cryptocurrency exchange, to process customer orders using crypto.
• The functionality is expected to be available on the airline website by Q3 2023.
Vueling, a Spanish low-cost airline, has announced its plans to accept cryptocurrency as a means of payment for its services. In order to make this a reality, the airline is exploring the use of blockchain and non-fungible token (NFT) technology. The company has enlisted the aid of a registered Spanish cryptocurrency exchange, Criptan, to process customer orders using crypto.
The move makes Vueling the first low-cost airline in Europe to accept cryptocurrency as a means of payment. Jesus Monzo, Vueling’s alliances and distribution manager, stated: “This agreement places us at the forefront of new technologies and innovation, further reinforcing our commitment to our customers and offering the best and most advanced tools and solutions on our website.” Jorge Soriano, Criptan’s CEO, further explained that the introduction of crypto payments could improve customer experience by showing customers the potential there is behind the implementation of such solutions.
The functionality is expected to be available on the website of the airline by Q3 2023, and it will be using UATP tech, the global payments network for airlines, although it requires additional development in order to comply with the necessary regulations. According to the airline, the new payment method will be secure, easy to use, and will add value to their customers.
Vueling is the latest in a growing list of companies that are embracing crypto payments. As the technology continues to gain more traction and become more widely adopted, this could be the start of a trend in the travel industry. With Vueling leading the way, it could be the first of many more airlines to accept cryptocurrency payments.