Air China and Webus International have forged a new partnership that may pave the way for XRP integration into the PhoenixMiles loyalty program.
The Webus–Air China Partnership
The recent partnership between Air China and Webus International's Wetour brand indicates that Wetour may provide transfer and chauffeur services to Air China passengers. Notably, Wetour plans to support XRP payments in the future, contingent upon business development and regulatory approvals.
Benefits of XRP for Payment Processing
XRP was selected for its practicality: transactions on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) are fast, cost-effective, and can facilitate payments in multiple fiat currencies. This makes it suitable for the complex financial flows of international travel, including loyalty redemptions, ticket payments, and supplier settlements.
Context and Future of the Partnership
As a state-owned enterprise, Air China plays a significant role in China's economic and diplomatic strategy. With over 60 million members, the PhoenixMiles program is among Asia's most influential loyalty programs. If even a fraction of its transactions were processed through XRP, it could have substantial implications for liquidity and settlement across various regions globally.
The partnership between Air China and Webus International lays the groundwork for potential blockchain applications in travel and loyalty sectors. However, the actual deployment of XRP will depend on regulatory compliance and technical integrations.
