Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways unveils first NFT collection.
UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways has announced the upcoming release of the airline’s first non-fungible token (NFT) collection.
The collection, known as EY-ZERO1, features 10 3D aircraft models, each showcasing a unique Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner livery.
A total of 2003 limited-edition collectibles, symbolising the year when Etihad Airways was established, went on sale on July 21 2022. The collectibles include Etihad’s Manchester City FC and Greenliner-themed aircraft, among others.
“We’re excited to launch our first NFT collection, EY-ZERO1, which not only offers collectors, aviation enthusiasts and travellers a unique work of art, but provides real-world travel and lifestyle benefits with Etihad Airways,” said Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer,
Etihad Aviation Group. “NFTs and other metaverse technologies are revolutionising the digital economy, and we are proud to be one of the first airlines in the world to explore their potential to provide additional utility for our customers.”
Purchasing an NFT will give owners immediate Etihad Guest Silver tier membership for one year, with 10 NFT holders winning complimentary flight tickets with the carrier. Owners will also be given advance access to the airline’s upcoming NFT collections as well as future metaverse products.
The airline gave away 20 NFTs to people who pre-registered on July 16 2022. Each NFT is priced at $349 plus tax on etihad.arcube.io, and the sale will close on August 18 at 6pm local time. The NFTs will also be available to purchase through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop, enabling the airline’s 7 million loyalty programme members to redeem their Etihad Guest Miles to acquire an NFT.
EY-ZERO1 is set to be minted on the Polygon blockchain, and Etihad Airways will be partnering with Aerial.is to track the CO2 emissions of the NFTs. The airline will allocate all proceeds from the collection to purchase sustainable aviation fuel in 2022.
“As well as recognising the artistic value of our aircraft liveries, our
NFT collection has been designed to be as efficient as possible and support our wider sustainability and decarbonisation efforts at Etihad Airways,” added Douglas.
Dubai carrier Emirates also announced in April that it will launch NFTs and experiences in the metaverse for its customers and employees.
“As well as recognising the artistic value of our aircraft liveries, our NFT collection has been designed to be as efficient as possible and support our wider sustainability and decarbonisation efforts at Etihad Airways,” added Douglas.