XRP News Today: Air China Tests XRP Abroad, Sidestepping China’s Crypto Ban

Air China’s PhoenixMiles loyalty program is set to introduce XRP as a payment option for certain travel-related services abroad, marking a notable development in the integration of digital assets within the aviation sector. The move is being facilitated through a partnership with Webus International, a company connected to Wetour, a travel service provider linked to Air China. Wetour’s platform will now support XRP for select international services, including airport transfers and private car rentals, offering PhoenixMiles members a new payment alternative in overseas markets [3].

However, the integration is confined to international operations due to China’s strict regulatory environment, which prohibits cryptocurrency transactions within the mainland. Air China, a state-owned enterprise under the control of China National Aviation Holding, cannot legally offer XRP as a payment method for domestic services or flights. The partnership explicitly states that XRP support is limited to Wetour’s “overseas platform,” ensuring compliance with Chinese law [6].

Industry observers have noted that this move is part of a growing trend among Chinese state-linked companies to experiment with blockchain-based solutions in international settings while avoiding regulatory risks at home. By offering XRP as a payment option abroad, Air China and Wetour can study digital asset adoption and remain competitive with global travel players without conflicting with domestic regulations [3]. This strategy aligns with broader efforts by Chinese firms to explore blockchain for faster settlements, cost reduction, and the tokenization of loyalty rewards [6].

The rollout of XRP payments for PhoenixMiles members abroad is conditional and dependent on future business developments and regulatory approvals. The initial focus is on premium chauffeur and airport transfer services, with plans potentially expanding to other offerings if adoption proves successful. Wetour has also integrated Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, further demonstrating the company’s interest in leveraging blockchain technology for cross-border transactions [4].

Despite the cautious wording and conditional rollout, the announcement is seen as a step forward for XRP adoption in the travel and loyalty sectors. For now, the integration is limited to a relatively small subset of PhoenixMiles members who frequently use international travel services. However, the potential for expansion remains, especially if early adopters demonstrate significant engagement with XRP-based transactions [4].

XRP’s utility in fast, low-cost cross-border payments has made it an attractive option for travel and loyalty programs, particularly given its ability to settle transactions in seconds at a cost of less than a cent. The XRP Ledger’s efficiency has drawn interest from companies seeking to optimize their payment systems and enhance customer experiences [4]. This development by Air China could serve as a pilot for broader adoption, especially if regulatory landscapes shift or global demand for digital assets increases.

The integration of XRP into Air China’s loyalty ecosystem is occurring against a backdrop of heightened speculation around cryptocurrency ETF approvals and broader regulatory changes. Analysts have noted increased trading activity and speculative demand for XRP as key ETF deadlines approach, suggesting that regulatory clarity could serve as a major catalyst for the token’s price movement [2]. While the long-term implications of Air China’s XRP integration remain to be seen, the partnership highlights the growing intersection between blockchain technology and traditional industries, particularly in international markets [6].

Source: [1] XRP Price Prediction: Is Triple-Digit Target Incoming? (https://coinpedia.org/news/xrp-price-prediction-is-triple-digit-target-incoming/) [2] Ripple (XRP) Price Moves Toward $3 as Community ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ripple-xrp-price-moves-toward-215804400.html) [3] XRP Accepted for Airport Transfers and Car Rentals via Air ... (https://coindoo.com/xrp-accepted-for-airport-transfers-and-car-rentals-via-air-china-partner/) [4] XRP In The Skies: Air China May Let Millions Pay With Crypto (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1101399-20250906) [5] China's DeepSeek Predicts XRP, Ethereum, Pi Prices by ... (https://cryptonews.com/news/chinas-deepseek-ai-predicts-the-price-of-xrp-ethereum-and-pi-coin-by-the-end-of-2025/) [6] How Realistic Is Air China's XRP Payment Integration Plan? (https://beincrypto.com/air-china-xrp-payment-plan-reality/)