Air Arabia Partners with Mbank to Accept AE Coin for Flight Bookings

Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) to introduce AE Coin as a payment option for flight bookings. This collaboration allows passengers to use AE Coin, the UAE’s first AED-backed stablecoin, for payments through the AEC Wallet App, making Air Arabia the first airline in the region to accept stablecoin-based payments.

AE Coin, developed by Mbank, is pegged 1:1 to the UAE Dirham, ensuring price stability, security, and low transaction fees. Customers can now select the AEC Wallet at checkout when booking flights via Air Arabia’s website, providing a convenient and innovative payment alternative. This integration aligns with the UAE’s vision of a digital-first economy and reflects Air Arabia’s commitment to embracing digitalization and enhancing customer experience through technology.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, expressed pride in the partnership with Mbank, stating that it underscores the airline's efforts to offer secure and innovative payment options. He emphasized that the introduction of AE Coin through the AEC Wallet aligns with Air Arabia's mission to adopt smart solutions that bring greater value, choice, and flexibility to its growing customer base.

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank, highlighted the alignment of Air Arabia's reputation as a leading low-cost carrier with Mbank's mission to provide accessible, secure, and affordable digital payment solutions. He noted that this partnership not only enhances the booking process but also contributes to the UAE's broader goal of creating an inclusive, digitally empowered financial ecosystem.

Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, underlined the importance of the partnership, pointing out that by including AE Coin in Air Arabia’s system, it had simplified payments for travelers. Rafeek further pointed out that this decision would start a trend in using digital currency in the region’s travel sector.

The collaboration between Air Arabia and Mbank represents a significant step forward in the integration of digital payments in the aviation industry. By offering AE Coin as a payment option, Air Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation, providing customers with a seamless and secure payment experience. This move is expected to attract tech-savvy travelers who prefer the convenience and security of digital currencies, further solidifying Air Arabia's position as a leader in the region's aviation sector.

This partnership aligns with the UAE’s commitment to embracing new technology and building a modern digital economy. The newly introduced payment option through AEC Wallet reflects Air Arabia’s ongoing efforts to adopt smart solutions, enhancing digital payments in aviation and helping the UAE achieve its goal of a modern and digital financial environment. With the new AE Coin method, passengers can pay for their flights quickly and easily, marking a major step in building a digital economy in the UAE.