Bermuda’s first homegrown airline, BermudAir, has unveiled a pioneering partnership with Zero Hash to enable customers to purchase flight tickets using stablecoins, a move that will position the airline as the first in the world to accept native stablecoin payments for online bookings. The new payment feature is expected to go live by the end of 2025, allowing travelers to pay for flights seamlessly on the airline’s website and mobile app.
The announcement, made at the inaugural Bermuda Digital Finance Forum, highlights the event’s focus on empowering Bermudian businesses through innovative digital finance solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in integrating cryptocurrency into the travel industry.
Once implemented, the stablecoin payment option will allow BermudAir passengers to make payments directly on the airline’s platform, with the same ease as using a credit card. Customers will have the option to select from over a dozen stablecoins at checkout, facilitating near-instant, borderless payments that reduce friction and eliminate the need for currency exchange.
“By accepting stablecoins, we’re eliminating the friction of currency exchange and foreign transaction fees for our international passengers,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “As Bermuda’s home airline, we are proud to lead the way in crypto and stablecoin adoption within aviation. This initiative is not just about embracing the future of travel, but about making the experience faster, more affordable, and inclusive for travelers across the globe.”
Bermuda’s tourism industry largely consists of international visitors, who account for the majority of the island’s 200,000+ annual air arrivals. Many of these travelers currently face foreign transaction fees ranging from 1-3% on credit card bookings. The new stablecoin payment system will eliminate these fees, offering an enhanced booking experience for BermudAir’s global clientele. Furthermore, stablecoin transactions, which are processed 24/7, will ensure that ticket purchases are confirmed within minutes, avoiding the delays typically associated with traditional banking systems, benefitting both travelers and tourism operators alike.