Air Arabia to start accepting payments in AE Coin
Air Arabia, a low-cost airline based in Sharjah, UAE, is making a big move in the world of travel. It has become the first airline in the Middle East to accept a digital currency called AE Coin for booking flights.
This new payment option is part of Air Arabia’s partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank). If you want to use AE Coin, all you need to do is download the AEC Wallet App, create an account, and top it up using your bank or other payment methods.
So, what is AE Coin?
AE Coin is a stable coin, which means its value is tied to the UAE Dirham. That makes it safer than other types of digital money, like Bitcoin, which can change value a lot. Since AE Coin is linked to the dirham, 1 AE Coin = 1 AED — it stays stable and is easier to use.
In fact, AE Coin is also approved by UAE authorities, making it one of the few fully regulated digital coins in the country.
This change means travelers can now book their flights in a new way — without cash or credit cards. It’s fast, simple, and fits well with the UAE’s growing digital economy. Air Arabia says this makes flying easier, safer, and more flexible for everyone.
More companies in the UAE are also starting to explore stablecoins. Even big banks like First Abu Dhabi Bank are working on their own digital coins backed by the UAE Central Bank.
Experts believe this move by Air Arabia will encourage other airlines and businesses to try digital payments too. Since AE Coin is backed by real money and the Central Bank, customers can feel more confident using it.
However, some say that fees might be a concern, so airlines need to make sure it’s worth it for customers to use digital money instead of just regular payment options.
One thing’s for sure — the future of travel is becoming more digital every day!
Air Arabia is leading the way in using new technology in travel. And when it comes to checking how airlines are doing in customer service, Incognito Mystery Shopping Consultancy is one of the top 10 in the UAE for airline audits. We help airlines like Air Arabia keep improving and making flying better for you.