As the pride of Canada, Air Canada is embarking on a new adventure by crafting an agreement collaboration with the Swiss pioneer Winding Tree to embrace blockchain technology for a revolutionary open-source travel network.
Through a letter of intent with Winding Tree, Air Canada aims to streamline the complexities of air travel distribution and sales. The dynamic Swiss start-up will tackle these challenges head-on by crafting an open-source travel platform, ensuring customers gain seamless access to real-time inventory directly from Air Canada.
Next Generation Technology
Air Canada’s Global Product Distribution Director, Keith Wallis, voiced his excitement over the company’s bold leap into the future, leveraging next-gen tech for enhanced service delivery.
“We're thrilled to partner with Winding Tree on this groundbreaking travel distribution initiative. As Canada’s largest airline and a global trailblazer in aerospace innovation, Air Canada acknowledges the profound benefits of harnessing next-gen technologies. We’re eager to integrate Air Canada’s Direct Connect API with Winding Tree’s public blockchain, empowering tech-savvy users to tap directly into our offerings.”
Winding Tree's Founder and COO, Pedro Anderson, lauded Air Canada for pioneering the integration of such groundbreaking technology within its operations.
He remarked, “As the first airline from North America to collaborate with Winding Tree’s blockchain, Air Canada confirms its place as a genuine innovator.”
From its founding in 1937, Air Canada has soared to the top, boasting the most extensive fleet and passenger numbers, making it Canada’s biggest airline. Reaching 207 worldwide destinations, it celebrated its 80th anniversary last year with a striking new livery. Operating through over 220 airports across six continents, it ranks among the global top 20 airlines.
Initiated in 2017, Winding Tree is a ground-breaking blockchain-based open-source travel distribution platform, aiming to slash travel costs for customers while boosting returns for suppliers. By fostering open competition, it dismantles industry barriers new entrants face and reduces transactional costs, providing fertile ground for emerging enterprises amid dominant industry giants.
Advancement in Airline Operations
Incorporating blockchain into airline processes is catching on, with industry players rushing to adopt it. Just recently, Air France KLM made strides to bolster blockchain integration within the travel realm. This progress seeks to streamline logistics and supply chains, offering affordable options and greater profit margins for suppliers. Blockchain trims down middlemen, granting users direct airline access.
In a similar vein, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) teamed up with TravelbyBit in August 2018 to bring blockchain into its payment systems within terminal retail spots. With this innovative system, customers can now pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dash, among other digital currencies, benefiting venues like Botanist and Windmill & Co.
This partnership underscores Brisbane Airport’s mission to foster thriving community projects, local businesses, and elevate passenger experiences.
Roel Hellemons, Brisbane Airport’s General Manager of Strategic Planning and Development, highlighted, “With the widespread interest in cryptocurrencies, especially among global travelers, we saw the merit in offering a crypto-friendly experience in our terminals.”
Reflecting on plans, he revealed, “We’re just getting started with digital currencies and plan to widen their availability across our operations, so keep an eye out.”
