Japan’s largest airline ANA launches NFT marketplace

Japan’s largest airline group holding company, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has entered the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by launching its NFT marketplace on the Ethereum blockchain.

According to a press release, the newly launched marketplace called ‘ANA GranWhale NFT Marketplace‘ offers a variety of aviation photography, digital collectables, and more. Similar to other NFT marketplaces like Opensea and Rarible, the platform will allow users to pay using the MetaMask wallet or with fiat currency via credit card.

ANA has launched an NFT business and the virtual platform ANA NEO will operate the “ANA GranWhale NFT MarketPlace”, making ANA the first airline in the world to sell NFT products!https://t.co/Cf7wdIKj5N

— All Nippon Airways (@FlyANA_official) June 1, 2023

The ‘ANA GranWhale NFT Marketplace’ was launched through ANA’s subsidiary, ANA NEO, which focuses on creating immersive digital experiences within the ANA ecosystem. The first collection on the marketplace showcases the work of Luke Ozawa, an aviation photographer with a remarkable career spanning five decades.

In addition to Ozawa’s collection, the marketplace includes other NFTs like two digital 3D airplanes—a custom Boeing 787 introduced by ANA in 2011—and a generative art collection called Airbits, featuring pixelated airline pilots.

Established in 2013, ANA Holdings is Japan’s largest airline group holding company, encompassing 69 companies, including ANA and Peach Aviation. ANA NEO is actively developing ANA Gran Whale, a metaverse travel experience that seamlessly integrates passengers’ flight histories into their digital avatars.

ANA is among several airlines embracing cryptocurrency-related concepts to enhance their offerings. For example, an Argentinian low-cost airline expanded its collaboration with NFT ticketing company TravelX, allowing e-tickets to be issued as NFTs on the Algorand blockchain. TravelX has also partnered with Spanish airline Air Europa to introduce a series of NFT tickets with exclusive perks and events.

The marketplace launch comes amid rising global cryptocurrency adoption. For instance, Hong Kong recently enacted regulations allowing individuals to trade digital tokens on licensed exchanges. Additionally, global sportswear brand, Nike, plans to integrate its NFT platform, “.Swoosh,” with EA Sports games, potentially featuring virtual Nike products in popular video games.

What’s In The Game? Only time will tell…@EASPORTS x .SWOOSH 🎮⚽️🏈🏆 pic.twitter.com/AXgidKX7rd

— .SWOOSH (@dotSWOOSH) June 1, 2023

The ANA Group aims to use NFTs within the aviation industry to establish new connections with customers, as mentioned in their press release. By launching the ‘ANA GranWhale NFT Marketplace’ and developing ANA Gran Whale, the company is embracing the digital realm and exploring innovative ways to engage with its audience.