Emirates Collaborates with Crypto.com to Introduce Crypto Payments in Travel
Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, has recently announced a partnership with Crypto.com to introduce cryptocurrency payments in the travel industry. The collaboration aims to cater to the increasing demand from customers for digital asset options when making travel bookings and transactions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Emirates and Crypto.com was signed in Dubai, with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, overseeing the agreement. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com’s UAE operations, formalized the partnership.
Emirates expressed that integrating digital payments into its services aligns with its digital strategy and commitment to providing flexible payment options for its customers. This move follows Emirates’ earlier interest in crypto payments, with plans to accept Bitcoin (BTC) being discussed as early as 2022, after the UAE introduced crypto-friendly regulations.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the airline’s recognition of the growing demand for crypto payments, especially among tech-savvy travelers. He emphasized that partnering with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency into their payment system reflects Emirates’ dedication to meeting evolving customer preferences.
Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating that it signifies a significant step towards expanding real-world use cases for crypto payments. He believes that this collaboration will drive momentum for the digital asset industry as a whole.
The implementation of crypto payments through Crypto.com Pay is expected to launch next year, pending internal readiness and regulatory approvals. Both Emirates and Crypto.com plan to leverage promotional marketing campaigns to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of this new payment solution among customers.
If successful, Emirates will become one of the first major international airlines to fully integrate cryptocurrency into its payment stack, setting a new standard for the travel industry. The partnership between Emirates and Crypto.com heralds a new era of innovation and convenience for travelers seeking alternative payment methods in the digital age.