The United Arab Emirates flag carrier Etihad Airways announced that it would release its first digital asset, the “EY-ZERO1” NFT collection.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced that it will be launching the airline’s first-ever NFT collection, “EY-ZERO1.” The collection will feature 3D aircraft models, and according to Etihad’s press release, the NFT collection will “provide owners with benefits and support procurement of sustainable fuel.”
The EY-ZERO1 NFT Collection
According to Etihad Airways, the EY-ZERO1 NFT collection will be a utility-driven series featuring ten highly-detailed 3D aircraft models. Each one of these models will showcase a unique Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner livery. However, the collection will also include Etihad’s iconic Manchester City FC- and Greenliner-themed aircraft.
Etihad Airways will only release 2,003 limited-edition collectibles. Why 2,003? Per their website, the number symbolizes the year Etihad Airways was established. The EY-ZERO1 NFT collection will go on sale at 6 PM UAE time on July 21, 2022. And here’s the kicker: Etihad is upping the excitement factor for this collection because apparently, “the 3D model will be hidden from view at the time of purchase and only be revealed on July 24.”
“We’re excited to launch our first NFT collection, EY-ZERO1, which not only offers collectors, aviation enthusiasts, and [travelers] a unique work of art but provides real-world travel and lifestyle benefits with Etihad Airways,” said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group.
“NFTs and other metaverse technologies are [revolutionizing] the digital economy, and we are proud to be one of the first airlines in the world to explore their potential to provide additional utility for our customers.”
Utilities Connected to EY-ZERO1
Aside from getting their hands on a unique piece of art in limited numbers, those purchasing the EY-ZERO1 NFT collection will immediately obtain Etihad Guest Silver status benefits for one year. Moreover, ten NFT holders will get the chance to win complimentary flight tickets with Etihad.
Owners of the EY-ZERO1 NFT collection will also be granted early access to upcoming NFT collections and Etihad’s future Metaverse products, which is part of its Web3 strategy. However, among the best perks of purchasing the collectibles, according to Etihad’s website, is “directly helping Etihad in its journey to increase its uptake of sustainable aviation fuel.” That’s because aside from offsetting the entire carbon footprint of this project, all profits from the collection’s sales will fund Etihad’s purchase of sustainable fuel for this year.
Etihad will be giving away 20 NFTs to those who will pre-register on their designated website for the EY-ZERO1 NFT collection by July 16 in celebration of the new collection. Incidentally, each NFT in the EY-ZERO1 series costs $349 plus tax. The sale will close on August 18, 6 PM UAE time.
A piece of good news for Etihad Airways’ seven million loyalty program members is that the NFTs will be available for purchase through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Members can redeem an NFT by using their Etihad Guest Miles.
The EY-ZERO1 NFT collection will be minted on the energy-efficient Polygon blockchain, a further testament to Etihad’s commitment to the environment. The airlines will also work with Aerial.is to track the NFTs’ CO2 emissions.
“As well as [recognizing] the artistic value of our aircraft liveries, our NFT collection has been designed to be as efficient as possible and support our wider sustainability and [decarbonization] efforts at Etihad Airways,” said Douglas.
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