All Nippon Airways Embarks on Blockchain Journey with Launch of Aviation-Themed NFT Marketplace

In a progressive move that signifies the convergence of the aviation sector and blockchain technology, All Nippon Airways (ANA), the leading airline of Japan, unveiled an aviation-focused NFTs marketplace on May 30. The marketplace is the fruit of a collaborative effort with ANA's subsidiary, ANA Neo.

ANA's NFTs Ready for Takeoff

Baptized as the "ANA GranWhale NFT Marketplace," the platform takes flight with an opening collection of NFTs by aerial photographer Luke Ozawa. This collection encapsulates the conversion of Ozawa's stunning aerial snapshots into NFTs. The developers shared:

"Starting May 30, the first digital photo by aerial photographer Luke Ozawa will be transformed into an NFT. One of these will be sold alongside a positive film, which serves as the source of photo development. The cost is set at 100,000 yen, and the NFT, coupled with the positive film, will be auctioned."

The price tag for the NFT, which includes the original positive film, is marked at 100,000 yen.

Second NFT Collection Lining Up for Launch

Coming up next for the ANA GranWhale is the debut of a second NFT collection on June 7. This collection will comprise a 3D model airplane, a representation of the first Boeing 787 operated by ANA, converted into NFTs. ANA confirmed that there would be 787 units each of two types, making a total of 1,574 units. Each piece is tagged at 7,870 yen.

ANA's step forward is underscored by the company's stature as Japan's top airline, clocking revenues of $12.2 billion in the past fiscal year. ANA also expressed its plan to broaden the NFT product line in the future, striving to enhance the customer experience through the commercialization of NFTs.

The foundation for the creation of ANA Neo’s GranWhale was laid down in August last year. It evolved as a virtual travel platform that used technology, including Virtual Reality, to replicate diverse global locales and cultures in the form of metaverse parks.

Mitsuo Tomita, the president of ANA Neo, elaborated on the platform's vision, saying:

“The arrow in the symbol [logo] represents the virtual and the real, respectively, and the blending of the two symbolizes the ANA GranWhale flying unwaveringly into the future of stability and growth, where Web 3.0 and metaverse travel will be more prevalent.”

Tomita's statement accentuated the strategic direction of the ANA GranWhale: charting a course towards a future molded by Web 3.0 and metaverse travel in a world where these technologies will likely be more widespread.

Through this bold initiative, All Nippon Airways is not merely welcoming the future of digital technology but also setting an example for other corporations to emulate in the rapidly developing realm of Web3. Other airlines, such as Vueling and AirBaltic, have already integrated NFTs into their business strategies similarly.