AirBaltic claimed a world first back in mid-2014 when it launched payments via Bitcoin.
While the uptake is not huge, Blockchain more generally has become of huge interest to the airline industry.
During the World Aviation Festival 2019 in London in September, airBaltic chief executive Martin Gauss discussed Blockchain for distribution, a development which he would welcome.
He also talked about distribution more widely, NDC development and the importance of direct channels.
As part of NDC, airlines want to be able to present and retail their products and services more efficiently and Gauss also touches on what the carrier is doing in this direction.
Other emerging technologies were also part of the exchange such as bots as well as AI and its limited use for flight operations currently because of safety implications.
Going forward, airBaltic’s greatest challenge is to manage its growth, with record passenger numbers using the carrier as well as its transition to Airbus aircraft.
PhocusWire @ WAF 2019 - AirBaltic on NDC, blockchain and other emerging technology
World Aviation Festival 2019
We interviewed execs from across the aviation landscape, including airlines, manufacturers and tech vendors.