All Nippon Airways (ANA) has launched a new Non-Fungible Token (NFT) marketplace, becoming the first airline in the world to do so. The marketplace, called ANA GranWhale NFT MarketPlace, is operated by ANA NEO, a subsidiary of the ANA Group.

NFTs are digital assets that are stored on a blockchain and cannot be replicated. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, with some NFTs selling for millions of dollars. ANA is hoping to capitalize on this trend by selling aviation-themed NFTs, such as works of art, photographs, and videos.

The ANA GranWhale NFT MarketPlace launched on May 30th with 267 NFTs for sale. These included works by aviation photographer Luke Ozawa, each of which cost ¥100,000 ($717 USD). The second set of products will go on sale from June 7th and will include over 1,500 additional NFTs, such as two digital 3D renderings of ANA’s Boeing 787s. One of them is designed with the same special livery ANA put on its first 787 aircraft when it became the aircraft’s launch customer in 2011.

ANA Group plans to increase the number of aviation-inspired NFT products from multiple regions in Japan available in the future. The company believes that NFTs can be a new way to connect with customers and create new revenue streams.

“We are excited to launch the ANA GranWhale NFT MarketPlace and to be the first airline in the world to offer NFTs,” said Mitsuo Tomita, President of ANA NEO. “We believe that NFTs have the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry and to create new ways for us to connect with our customers.”

The launch of ANA’s NFT marketplace is the latest sign of the growing popularity of NFTs. In recent months, several other major companies have launched NFT initiatives, including Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s. As the NFT market continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether ANA’s new business will be successful. However, the company is clearly betting that NFTs are the future of aviation.

Amazon delays launch of NFT Marketplace to May 15, citing readiness issues