Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines, has announced a strategic partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com, signaling a move toward accepting digital currencies for ticket purchases. A memorandum of understanding outlining the collaboration was disclosed on Thursday.
The airline intends to explore integrating cryptocurrency payments into its systems, emphasizing a commitment to adhering to the highest security and compliance standards throughout the process. While no definitive timeline has been set, the implementation is anticipated within the next year.
Emirates stated the initiative aims to cater to evolving customer preferences and broaden its appeal to younger, technology-savvy demographics. Passengers will potentially have the option to pay for flights using a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin, in addition to the platform’s broader selection. The airline is currently evaluating the technical and operational aspects of implementing this novel payment method.