KEY POINTS
Non-fungible token (NFT) holders who snagged pieces from airBaltic’s Planies collection were treated to an exclusive preview of the airline’s newest addition — the 10th Diamond aircraft.
Dubbed “Diamond DA40 NG,” the aircraft made its debut at the “airBaltic Backstage Experience,” an event limited to 25 randomly chosen NFT holders.
The event, which unfolded two weeks ago, offered participants a behind-the-scenes look at airBaltic’s technical maintenance hangar in Riga, Latvia.
This latest addition to airBaltic’s fleet — its tenth training aircraft — features a Planies NFT-themed livery. It’s earmarked for use by students enrolled in the airBaltic Pilot Academy.
The aircraft’s design pays homage to airBaltic’s forward-thinking loyalty program — the “airBaltic Club” — accessible to NFT holders.
This loyalty program, unveiled in 2022 alongside the launch of the Planies collection, which includes 10,000 cartoon aircraft NFTs. Holders of these NFTs enjoy various perks, including earning loyalty points without flying, free Business-class travel, access to exclusive events, and other travel rewards.
The move reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry. In August 2023, Lufthansa rolled out its own NFT-based loyalty program aimed at rewarding passengers. Similarly, in March, Flybondi partnered with TravelX to offer flight tickets as NFTs, touting benefits such as enhanced flexibility, transparency, and security.
