XRP News Today: Blockchain Meets Loyalty: XRP Powers 60M Air China Members

Webus International Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Air China Limited, a major international airline with over 60 million PhoenixMiles members globally. Through this collaboration, Webus' travel brand Wetour will provide airport transfer and premium chauffeur services to Air China passengers and members worldwide. A key component of the agreement involves the integration of XRP payments into Wetour’s overseas platform, enabling PhoenixMiles members to benefit from faster settlement, tokenized rewards, and blockchain-enabled vouchers tied to their membership benefits. This initiative is subject to future business development and regulatory compliance. Webus CEO Nan Zheng highlighted that the partnership expands Wetour’s global service reach and advances its goal of building a Ripple-integrated travel ecosystem [1].

The integration of XRP payments is part of Webus' broader strategy to enhance its digital-asset management framework. In June 2025, Webus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish a $300 million XRP treasury reserve. The company has already expanded its Wetour platform to support both XRP and Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, allowing users to acquire promotional coupons and product vouchers using the digital assets. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has gained recognition in the crypto industry for its ability to settle transactions in 3–5 seconds with minimal fees, making it an attractive option for cross-border settlements. This recent partnership with Air China aims to extend those benefits to a vast and growing loyalty program [4].

Air China’s PhoenixMiles program is one of the largest in the world, with over 60 million members who can earn and redeem miles across Air China, its affiliated carriers, and Star Alliance partners. The integration of XRP-based rewards and settlements into this ecosystem represents a significant step in the real-world adoption of XRP. While the partnership primarily focuses on travel services, the inclusion of XRP as a payment solution underscores the growing interest in using blockchain technology to streamline transactions and loyalty programs. This development has drawn attention from pro-XRP legal experts, who view it as evidence of the asset’s increasing utility in enterprise applications [3].

Despite the potential benefits, the implementation of XRP payments will require careful navigation of regulatory landscapes. Both Webus and Air China have emphasized their commitment to compliance with relevant regulations surrounding digital currencies. This includes ensuring that the integration of XRP-based rewards and settlements meets legal requirements across different jurisdictions where PhoenixMiles members reside. The companies have not disclosed a timeline for the full rollout of the service, but they remain optimistic that the initiative will enhance user experience and redefine loyalty programs through tokenization [2].

XRP’s market performance has shown significant volatility in recent months. As of the latest data, XRP trades at approximately $2.84, with a market capitalization of around $169.21 billion. The token experienced a 4.71% decline over the past week but has gained 35.79% over the last 90 days. Analysts suggest that lower exchange reserves, such as the recent 83% reduction in Coinbase’s XRP holdings, could reduce selling pressure and potentially support price stability. However, the token continues to face resistance at the $0.42 level, and market participants are closely watching for developments in ETF approvals and institutional adoption [1].

The partnership between Webus and Air China highlights a growing trend of institutional interest in XRP and blockchain-based solutions. While some critics argue that the lack of explicit mention of XRP transaction use in the partnership announcement may limit its immediate impact, legal experts like Bill Morgan argue that the integration of XRP payment support is a meaningful step toward real-world adoption. The collaboration represents a bold move to integrate blockchain technology into traditional travel services, offering a glimpse into how digital assets may shape the future of cross-border commerce and loyalty programs [3].

Source:

[1] Webus International Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/webus-international-signs-strategic-partnership-130000095.html)

[2] Air China to Explore XRP Payment Solutions for 60M+ (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/09/05/air-china-to-explore-xrp-payment-solutions-for-60m-members/)

[3] Nasdaq-listed Webus plans to bring XRP payments to Air (https://cryptobriefing.com/xrp-payments-air-china/)

[4] Webus and Air China Forge a Trailblazing Path for XRP (https://www.onesafe.io/blog/webus-air-china-xrp-payments-phoenixmiles)