Flag carrier Air China rolled out its new “Air China+” ecosystem in Beijing on 5 December, promising passengers an integrated suite of aviation, automotive and lifestyle services underpinned by blockchain-based digital assets.
Key features – The airline’s PhoenixMiles programme – now in its 31st year – will issue limited-edition non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that encapsulate status-qualifying segments, lounge vouchers and seat-upgrade coupons. Members flying on designated domestic and international routes every Saturday in December will receive tradable NFT ‘Phoenix Feathers’ that can be redeemed or sold on a pilot marketplace within the Air China app.
![‘Air China+’ platform merges loyalty, mobility and digital collectibles]()
Cross-industry tie-ins – Air China has struck “aviation + automotive” deals with FAW-Volkswagen and Li Auto, allowing customers who purchase selected vehicles through the airline’s platform to earn up to 100,000 bonus miles, equivalent to a return economy trip from Beijing to Sydney. Additional partnerships with hotel group Huazhu and e-commerce giant JD.com will go live in Q1 2026.
Mobility relevance – For corporate mobility managers, the development signals a trend toward airline-led super-apps that bundle ground transport, accommodation and even car ownership into a single loyalty wallet. The digital-asset component may also create new duty-of-care considerations around asset security and taxable benefits for expatriate staff.
Regulatory angle – The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has so far taken a permissive stance on tokenised loyalty points, provided data reside on state-approved blockchains. Observers expect China Eastern and China Southern to unveil similar ecosystems ahead of the Spring Festival travel peak.
Key features – The airline’s PhoenixMiles programme – now in its 31st year – will issue limited-edition non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that encapsulate status-qualifying segments, lounge vouchers and seat-upgrade coupons. Members flying on designated domestic and international routes every Saturday in December will receive tradable NFT ‘Phoenix Feathers’ that can be redeemed or sold on a pilot marketplace within the Air China app.
Cross-industry tie-ins – Air China has struck “aviation + automotive” deals with FAW-Volkswagen and Li Auto, allowing customers who purchase selected vehicles through the airline’s platform to earn up to 100,000 bonus miles, equivalent to a return economy trip from Beijing to Sydney. Additional partnerships with hotel group Huazhu and e-commerce giant JD.com will go live in Q1 2026.
Mobility relevance – For corporate mobility managers, the development signals a trend toward airline-led super-apps that bundle ground transport, accommodation and even car ownership into a single loyalty wallet. The digital-asset component may also create new duty-of-care considerations around asset security and taxable benefits for expatriate staff.
Regulatory angle – The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has so far taken a permissive stance on tokenised loyalty points, provided data reside on state-approved blockchains. Observers expect China Eastern and China Southern to unveil similar ecosystems ahead of the Spring Festival travel peak.
