Argentinian low-cost airlineFlybondiis integrating Web3 into its ticketing process by issuing e-tickets as non-fungible tokens (NFT).
The new integration announced Thursday is calledTicket 3.0and is an expansion of its existing relationship with NFT ticketing companyTravelX, which launched inSeptember 2022. The NFT ticketing technology, built on theAlgorandblockchain, allows passengers to change their name, transfer or sell their "NFTickets" independently.
Flybondisaysthe NFT ticket "offers a more flexible travel experience that allows passengers to even buy in advance without having to define their travel plans or who the travelers will be." In return, the airline is able to reduce customer service costs and increase its revenue from trading fees.
TravelX chief blockchain officer Facundo Martin Diaztold CoinDesk in Septemberthat the company does not charge a fee when users initially purchase a ticket but it does receive a 2% transaction fee when trades are made on the secondary market. Airlines also get a 2% cut, he said.
Passengers can purchase travel tickets through the Flybondi website using fiat currency, and TravelXissues a synchronized NFT ticketon top of the regular e-ticket. Travelers can then create a Ticket 3.0 account to manage and store their NFTs through Flybondi. Ticket-related rules and conditions are integrated into the NFT's smart contract by the airline.
"With this launch, we seek to generate a positive impact in the aviation industry through innovation and an application of blockchain technology," said Flybondi CEO Mauricio Sana in apress release. "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."