XRP News Today: Airlines Soar into Blockchain Era with XRP-Powered Loyalty Redemptions

Air China’s PhoenixMiles loyalty program has entered into a partnership with Webus International Ltd., a Nasdaq-listed travel services provider, to integrate XRP and Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin payments for premium airport transfers and chauffeur services. The collaboration, announced in late August 2025, will initially focus on international services offered through Webus’s Wetour platform, with XRP settlements expected to be available for overseas users, subject to regulatory approval [1]. Webus has previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a $300 million treasury reserve, part of its broader strategy to build a blockchain-enabled travel ecosystem [1].

The PhoenixMiles program, which boasts over 60 million members, is now being expanded to include blockchain-based payment solutions. Under the partnership, members will have the option to use XRP or RLUSD to pay for Wetour’s airport and chauffeur services. This integration aims to improve settlement speed, reduce costs, and enhance the flexibility of loyalty redemptions [2]. Webus CEO Nan Zheng emphasized that the collaboration would not only expand the company’s global service footprint but also accelerate the development of a travel ecosystem integrated with Ripple’s blockchain technology [3].

XRP’s utility in travel payments stems from its fast settlement times—typically between three to five seconds—and low fees, which are under one cent per transaction. These features make it an attractive option for real-time redemptions and tokenized rewards within loyalty programs [1]. However, adoption does not guarantee active usage. Many PhoenixMiles members may not frequently redeem their benefits for travel services, particularly in the early stages of the rollout. Webus has positioned the service as a pilot program, expecting gradual expansion based on user engagement [2]. The company’s broader XRP treasury strategy, including a $100 million equity line secured in July 2025, further supports its commitment to the integration [4].

Despite the potential benefits, the integration faces regulatory and compliance challenges, particularly within China. Air China, as a state-owned enterprise, must adhere to strict local laws that prohibit cryptocurrency transactions. As a result, XRP-based payments will only be available for services conducted outside mainland China. The partnership’s language is carefully crafted to reflect this legal reality, emphasizing the use of XRP on Webus’s “overseas platform” while ensuring domestic operations remain compliant [5]. This approach aligns with a growing trend among global airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, which have also experimented with blockchain-based rewards and payments in international markets [5].

The move represents a significant step for XRP in the travel and loyalty sector, demonstrating how digital assets can support real-world use cases beyond speculative trading. If successful, it could inspire other airlines to explore blockchain technology for loyalty programs and cross-border payments. However, the long-term success of the initiative will depend on user adoption, regulatory developments, and the continued evolution of Web3 infrastructure in the aviation industry [2]. For now, the partnership remains a conditional and phased implementation, with broader integration dependent on future business decisions and compliance frameworks [1].

Source: [1] XRP In The Skies: Air China May Let Millions Pay With Crypto (https://bitcoinist.com/xrp-in-the-skies-air-china-may-let-millions-pay-with-crypto/) [2] XRP Enters Aviation: Webus, Air China Target 60M Loyalty (https://thecurrencyanalytics.com/altcoins/xrp-breaks-into-global-aviation-as-webus-partners-with-air-china-for-60m-loyalty-members-195127) [3] Nasdaq-listed Webus plans to bring XRP payments to Air (https://cryptobriefing.com/xrp-payments-air-china/) [4] How Realistic Is Air China's XRP Payment Integration Plan? (https://beincrypto.com/air-china-xrp-payment-plan-reality/) [5] How Realistic Is Air China's XRP Payment Integration Plan? (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1101172-20250906)