Flybondi, an Argentine low-cost airline, is the first to issue flight tickets in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The project, known as Ticket 3.0, is now available to customers who want to travel to domestic locations.
According to the company’s website, each purchased ticket will be issued as an NFT on the Algorand blockchain. Flybondi’s current connection with TravelX is being expanded with this integration.
Customers can modify the name on their pass, give it away, or transfer it to another person with Ticket 3.0. As a result, it eliminates the traditional roadblocks encountered while attempting to shift ownership. CEO Mauricio Sana commented on the development:
“With Ticket 3.0, our passengers will have greater flexibility and control over their trips because they will be able to transfer, rename or give away their tickets in a simple and autonomous way. With this launch, we seek to generate a positive impact in the aviation industry through innovation and an application of blockchain technology. Changing the rules of the game is never easy, but we know that it is our objective to evolve and offer our passengers a new stage of the freedom to fly.”
Flybondi’s initiative comes at a time when the tourist industry is attempting to regain footing after the COVID-19 worldwide shutdown delayed most of transportation for years. The airline, which was founded in 2016 and is based in Buenos Aires, travels to 13 locations. Aside from certain well-known local attractions, it began operating flights between Argentina’s capital city and Rio de Janeiro in October 2019.
Flybodi Amongst Other Airlines to Embrace Crypto
The cryptocurrency industry has already interacted with multiple airline companies, with Dubai’s Emirates being one example. In spring, the UAE’s national carrier introduced NFTs and “exciting Metaverse experiences” for its customers and staff. It also disclosed intentions to accept bitcoin as a payment mechanism.
Vueling, one of Spain’s largest airlines, also partnered with BitPay to accept crypto transactions as well. Its digital assets include Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and others.
According to Merrick Theobald, Vice President of Marketing at BitPay, Vueling recognizes the potential of cryptocurrencies to revolutionize the airline industry, making payments faster, more secure, and less expensive on a worldwide scale.
