Air New Zealand testing blockchain tech
Flag carrier Air New Zealand is climbing aboard the blockchain bandwagon.
The airline is collaborating Swiss travel start-up Winding Tree to explore ways blockchain tech can be incorporated into its ecosystem.
Air New Zealand chief digital officer Avi Golan said it will look at potential uses of blockchain to improve functions such as baggage tracking and booking.
Cargo tracking and loyalty programme management may also benefit from blockchain, he said.
"While we are still exploring its benefits, blockchain may offer a streamlined way to retail airfares and ancillary products alongside our current channels," said Golan.
A benefit of blockchain is the reduced associated costs bypassing GDS charges by connecting the airline’s products directly to the end user.
Winding Tree is a marketplace built on the decentralised Ethereum blockchain.
Air NZ also said it would invest in Winding Tree’s initial coin offering early next year.
German carrier Lufthansa also recently announced a partnership with Winding Tree.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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