Etihad Airways expands its collection with 300 new NFTs packed with rewards
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has embarked on a bold venture by unveiling an expansive iteration of its EY-ZERO1 non-fungible token (NFT) collection. This pioneering move is indicative of an aviation sector rapidly adapting to the digital era. Limited to a mere 300 tokens, the new collection offers holders a host of exclusive benefits and smoothly integrates into Etihad’s imminent ‘Horizon Club,’ a groundbreaking Web3 loyalty scheme.
TL;DR
Revitalizing aviation loyalty programs with NFTs
Etihad is breathing new life into the world of air travel with the latest release of its NFT collection. After initially having launched in July 2022 their NFT collection, the company is now expanding it by releasing a limited edition extension of 300 new NFTs, modeled after the Mission-Impossible branded Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering a unique blend of digital and tangible rewards to their holders.
Holders of these can expect to receive a 12-month Guest Silver Tier Status, inclusive of priority check-in and access to the exclusive lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The privileges don’t stop there, with holders anticipated to enjoy a swift transition from Silver to Gold Tier status, a 25% bonus on Guest Miles, and a bespoke membership card.
On a pivotal moment for the traditional airline loyalty programs, EY-ZERO1 NFT holders will gain entry to the exclusive Etihad: Virtual Club. This initiative strives to foster a sense of camaraderie among NFT holders. The airline’s venture into digital tokens also continues to afford holders unforgettable real-world experiences, such as exclusive access to standout events like the Yas Marina Circuit Formula 1 race.
Holders can earn miles by staking their NFTs
Etihad’s pioneering attempt into Web3 loyalty programs, the Horizon Club, is currently due to start in September. The ingenious “staking-for-miles” system is one of the program’s notable features.
Members may secure their NFTs in exchange for Etihad Guest Miles, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other exclusive incentives. Etihad is combining the best of both worlds with its campaign, bridging the gap between digital products and real-world usage and giving new channels for people to connect with the brand.
Partnerships that power the future
Etihad’s bold foray into the digital world was made possible through a collaboration with Arcube, a startup specializing in real-world asset tokenization and Etihad’s official Web3 partner. Meanwhile, Crossmint, an infrastructure provider, guarantees that consumers’ transactions go smoothly, regardless of whether they pay with Bitcoin or a credit card.
Etihad’s collaborative strategy demonstrates its dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to deliver unique experiences for passengers while maintaining its position as a leader in the continuously expanding digital market. This dedication is shared by the industry as major airlines investigate the possibilities of NFTs. Other pioneers, like Flybondi, Air Europa, and All Nippon Airways, have begun to use blockchain-based methods.
The debut of Etihad’s new NFT collection, as well as the excitement around the Horizon Club, mark an exciting new chapter in the airline industry’s digital evolution. As technology continues to revolutionize travel experiences, customers can look forward to new methods to earn rewards and improve their vacations.
