Key Takeaways
- Emirates signs MoU with Crypto.com to test bitcoin and digital asset payments for flights.
- The integration is expected to go live in 2026, with no specific coins yet confirmed.
- Dubai and its agencies are expanding digital asset use in government and real estate sectors.
Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to explore the integration of digital asset payments, including bitcoin, for airline bookings.
The collaboration aims to launch Crypto.com Pay as a payment option, with implementation expected in 2026.
Emirates’ vision for digital payments
In announcing the agreement, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim highlighted the company’s focus on adapting to new customer needs.
Kazim stated:
This partnership reflects the company’s commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences, in addition to tapping into younger, tech-savvy customer segments who prefer digital currencies.
Crypto.com’s perspective
Eric Anziani, President of Crypto.com, commented on the deal as a step forward for digital asset adoption in the travel industry.
He said:
As we continue to expand the everyday use case for crypto, integration with exceptional partners such as Emirates will bring real momentum to the digital asset industry.
Pioneers in crypto payments
While Emirates is set to become the first major global airline to explore bitcoin and digital asset payments, AirBaltic was an early adopter, accepting bitcoin for flights since 2014.
Additionally, platforms like Alternative Airlines allow bookings with over 100 cryptocurrencies for a range of major carriers.
Dubai’s digital asset strategy
The move aligns with Dubai’s broader digital asset strategy.
In May, Dubai’s government partnered with Crypto.com to enable residents to pay government service fees and utility bills with digital assets.
On July 6, the Dubai Land Department signed an MoU with Crypto.com to support a blockchain-based environment for digital real estate.
Conclusion
Emirates’ initiative signals a growing trend in the adoption of bitcoin and digital assets for mainstream payments and public services.
