Quantcast

Air Arabia partners with UAE bank to accept stablecoin payments

Air Arabia partners with UAE bank to accept stablecoin payments
Policy
Webp messenger creation 782e5933 512f 458e 8dba ec912b80f73b
Air Arabia | Official Website

Air Arabia has announced a partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank to allow passengers to pay for their tickets using cryptocurrency, specifically the AE Coin, through the AEC Wallet application. This makes Air Arabia the first airline in the region to accept stablecoin-based payments.

The AE Coin is backed by the UAE’s currency, the Dirham, at a 1:1 ratio, ensuring price stability and low transaction fees. Adel Al Ali, CEO of Air Arabia, emphasized the airline's commitment to enhancing customer experience through technology. “The newly introduced payment option through AEC Wallet reflects our ongoing efforts to adopt smart solutions that bring greater value, choice, and flexibility to our growing customer base.”

To use AE Coins for flight payments, passengers must download the AEC Wallet app, create an account, verify their identity, and add funds via a supported payment solution. Despite this lengthy process, Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, considers this partnership a milestone for cryptocurrency. “By integrating AE Coin into flight bookings, we are simplifying the payment experience for travelers and enabling a seamless cashless solution that aligns with the growing digital economy,” he stated.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

AE Coin was approved by the UAE Central Bank in December 2024 but currently lists no other partnerships for digital payment solutions on its website.

In related news within the airline industry and cryptocurrency integration trends: Spanish airline Vueling announced plans in 2022 to accept cryptocurrencies as payment but has not yet implemented these options. Conversely, airBaltic continues to offer cryptocurrency payment options and has ventured into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) sales.

As some airlines lose interest in cryptocurrencies amid their association with illegal activities like drug trade and shifting market trends towards technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), services similar to online travel agencies continue facilitating crypto payments for airfares.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR, which entered service in late 2024, is now the longest-range narrowbody aircraft available.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 are the only commercial jetliners with a partial or full second passenger deck, and both have left a significant mark on aviation history.

Aug 2, 2025