Reports indicate that Webus International has secured a deal with Air China, potentially exposing its Wetour travel service to over 60 million PhoenixMiles loyalty members. This partnership could integrate XRP payments into Wetour's overseas platform, though it is contingent on future business developments and regulatory approval.
Under the agreement, Wetour will initially focus on premium chauffeur and airport transfer services, with PhoenixMiles members possibly gaining access to a platform that already lists XRP as a payment option and accepts Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin. Webus has been advancing its altcoin adoption; in June, it filed with the SEC for a $300 million treasury reserve and plans to use the XRP Ledger for cross-border payments.
Additionally, Webus and Air China are implementing a $100 million XRP treasury strategy aimed at enhancing blockchain-based loyalty rewards and payments. Nan Zheng, CEO of Webus International, emphasized, "This $100 million facility reflects strong confidence in our long-term XRP strategy."
The XRP Ledger's features—such as transaction settlement in three to five seconds and fees under one cent—make it suitable for travel and loyalty programs. However, actual usage may be limited initially to higher-end services, and regulatory compliance must be addressed before a full rollout. Attorney Bill Morgan views this as a sign of real adoption progress despite cautious wording.
Past initiatives, like those by VivoPower and Trident Digital, have paved the way for corporate XRP adoption, suggesting potential increases in trading volumes and institutional credibility. This collaboration could reshape loyalty programs across industries, though immediate effects depend on approval timelines.
