Singapore Airlines to launch blockchain-based digital wallet for KrisFlyer

SIA Group’s KrisFlyer frequent flyer program is to launch a blockchain-based airline loyalty digital wallet.

A new KrisFlyer digital wallet app utilising this innovative technology is expected to be rolled out in about six months. It will allow the extensive KrisFlyer membership base to use ‘digital KrisFlyer miles’ for point-of-sale transactions at participating retail merchants.

Following a successful proof-of-concept exercise carried out in collaboration with KPMG Digital Village and Microsoft, KrisFlyer is now signing up retail merchant partners, initially in the Singapore market.

The app will be enabled through blockchain technology, using an SIA-owned private blockchain involving only merchants and partners.

“Innovation has been a key contributor to the success of Singapore Airlines since day one and we are very excited about this world-first initiative, which will bring even more benefits to members of our KrisFlyer program,” said Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong. 

“This ground-breaking development in which we will be using blockchain technology to digitalise KrisFlyer miles is a demonstration of the investment we are making to significantly enhance the digital side of our business for the benefit of our customers. It is in line with our recently unveiled Digital Innovation Blueprint, under which we aim to be the world’s leading digital airline.”