Etihad Airways: A New Era of Loyalty Through NFTs

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is pioneering a new era of customer loyalty through its innovative Horizon Club program. Etihad redefines how travelers engage with loyalty programs by integrating Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with real-world experiences. 

Horizon Club - Etihad's Web3 Loyalty Program

Horizon Club is a new Web3 loyalty program by Etihad, set to launch in September. It links digital collectibles with travel benefits and builds on the EY-ZERO1 NFT collection. This collection offers unique Polygon assets and various exclusive perks.

One standout feature of Horizon Club is the ability to stake digital assets for miles. NFT holders can "lock" their digital items to earn Etihad Guest Miles. These miles can then be used for flights, seat upgrades, and other unique advantages.

Etihad's program is a joint effort with Arcube and Crossmint. Arcube is a company that focuses on turning real-world assets into digital tokens. Crossmint helps with smooth transactions in both regular money and digital currencies. Together, they make the Horizon Club an innovative and appealing program.

EY-ZERO1 NFT Collection

The EY-ZERO1 NFT collection debuted in July 2022 and has since expanded with new editions. The latest addition includes 300 new NFTs designed to mirror the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and adorned with branding from the "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One" franchise.

Etihad EY-ZERO1 NFT Collection (Source: OpenSea)

Holders of the EY-ZERO1 collection enjoy a suite of exclusive perks, including:

• 12-month Etihad Guest Silver Tier Status
• Priority check-in
• 25% boost in earning Etihad Guest Miles
• Lounge access at Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Membership to the Etihad: Virtual Club
• Fast-track opportunity to upgrade from Silver to Gold Tier status
• Personalized Etihad membership card

The Broader Trend in the Airline Industry

Etihad's move towards Web3 is part of a broader trend in the airline industry. Other airlines exploring NFTs include:

• Argentina's Flybondi: Partnered with NFT ticketing company TravelX to offer tickets as NFTs on the Algorand blockchain.
• Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA): Unveiled a marketplace integrating passengers' flight histories with their digital avatar.
• Spain's Air Europa: Launched NFT tickets linked to exclusive perks and events.

Integrating NFTs and blockchain technology enhances the airline industry's loyalty and rewards programs, prioritizing real-world experiences and offering unique benefits to customers.

Etihad Airways' Horizon Club represents a significant step forward in the convergence of technology and customer loyalty. By leveraging NFTs, Etihad is not only offering a way for travelers to engage with the brand but also setting a precedent for the aviation industry.

The introduction of staking-for-miles, collaboration with tech firms, and integration with popular media franchises adds layers of appeal to the digital collectibles. It also opens new possibilities for enhancing customer loyalty and creating personalized experiences.