Webus collaborates with Air China to enable XRP payments

On September 3, 2025, Webus International Limited (hereinafter referred to as Webus) signed a strategic partnership with Air China, marking an important step in the integration of digital money payment and travel services. Through this cooperation, Webus’s travel service brand Wetour will provide high-end driver services and airport transfers for Air China's Phoenix Miles members (over 60 million members globally) and plans to support XRP payment in the future. This initiative not only expands Wetour's global service network but also accelerates the construction of a travel ecosystem centered on Ripple blockchain technology. Webus CEO Zheng Nan stated: "This cooperation is expected to cover over 60 million members and passengers, not only expanding Wetour's global service scope but also accelerating our vision of building an integrated travel ecosystem with Ripple."

This collaboration is seen as a milestone for the application of cryptocurrency in the tourism industry, although its direct market and Blockchain impacts are still constrained by regulatory agreements. The introduction of XRP payments is expected to provide Phoenix Zhiyin members with faster settlement speeds, tokenized rewards, and Blockchain-based coupons, significantly enhancing the member experience. However, regulatory compliance remains a key factor for implementation, and Webus and Air China have clearly stated that the actual integration of XRP functionality requires approval from regulatory authorities.

Cooperation details: XRP payment covers 60 million travelers.

Webus is a provider focused on AI-driven mobile solutions, and its Wetour brand offers global airport transfers, intercity transportation, private tours, and luxury charter services. This collaboration with Air China will extend Wetour's premium services to Phoenix Zhiyin members, covering over 60 million members and passengers worldwide. By integrating XRP payments, Wetour plans to provide members with a more efficient payment experience, including instant settlement, tokenized rewards, and blockchain-supported coupons. These features will be directly linked to member benefits, further enhancing user loyalty.

According to Webus's announcement, XRP payment support will be implemented through its overseas platform, aimed at eliminating friction in traditional payments, providing instant settlement for drivers and service providers, while offering quick refunds for travelers. Webus has previously announced plans to raise up to $300 million through non-equity financing to establish an XRP reserve to support global payment solutions, and to collaborate with leading Chinese online travel platforms such as Tongcheng Travel Holdings. The partnership with Air China further consolidates Webus's position in the Chinese market while providing significant support for its global expansion.

Webus CEO Zheng Nan emphasized that the introduction of XRP not only enhances payment efficiency but also brings the potential for Web3 innovation to the tourism industry. He stated: "By partnering with Air China, we will connect with one of the largest airline loyalty programs in the world and seamlessly integrate with next-generation Web3 travel solutions." This strategy indicates that Webus is actively exploring the practical applications of Blockchain technology in tourism payments, aiming to combine traditional travel services with Digital Money.

Regulatory Compliance: Key Challenges in Implementing XRP Payments

Despite the tremendous potential of XRP payments, their actual implementation faces strict regulatory scrutiny. Webus and Air China clearly stated in their announcement that the launch of XRP payment functionality must comply with regulatory requirements, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. Due to the fact that the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies is not yet fully matured globally, especially in China and international markets, the promotion of XRP payments may face delays.

Webus's previous collaboration with Tongcheng Travel also emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance. Webus plans to achieve cross-border ride and driver compensation settlement through the XRP Ledger, but must ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Air China's collaboration similarly faces similar challenges. Webus stated that the implementation of XRP payments will "depend on future business development and regulatory compliance." This cautious attitude reflects the practical considerations of enterprises in the application of cryptocurrencies, especially in a market like China where regulation of digital assets is strict.

Globally, the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the travel industry has precedence. For example, AirAsia and KLM have attempted to collaborate with cryptocurrency platforms, but these partnerships only led to slight fluctuations in XRP prices and failed to trigger significant market impacts. This highlights the importance of widespread user adoption in driving the growth of the cryptocurrency market. If the collaboration between Webus and Air China can be successfully implemented, it could set a benchmark for the industry, but regulatory uncertainties remain the biggest hurdle.

XRP Market Dynamics: Volatility and Speculation Coexist

XRP, as the core digital asset of this cooperation, has attracted significant market attention. As of September 4, 2025, the price of XRP is $2.84, with a market capitalization of approximately $169.21 billion. In the past 24 hours, the price of XRP has decreased by 2.02%, with a seven-day decline of 4.71%, but it has increased by 35.79% over the past 90 days. These figures reflect the volatility and speculative nature of the XRP market. Despite the recent poor price performance, the long-term trend for XRP shows an increase in institutional interest, such as the $300 million XRP reserves planned by Webus and VivoPower International's $121 million XRP reserve plan.

Webus's XRP strategy is part of its broader Blockchain integration plan. In May 2025, Webus announced it would raise up to $300 million through non-equity financing to establish an XRP reserve, support global payment solutions, and develop Blockchain infrastructure including a crypto wallet, Web3 loyalty tokens, and on-chain booking records. In June 2025, Webus further signed an agreement with SEC-registered investment advisor Samara Alpha, authorizing it to manage up to $300 million in digital asset reserves, focusing on XRP management. These initiatives indicate that Webus is driving the application of XRP in travel payments through institutional-grade infrastructure.

However, the reaction of the XRP price to this cooperation has been relatively mild. After the announcement of the partnership between Webus and Air China, the XRP price did not see a significant increase, and the market seems to be cautious about regulatory uncertainties and the implementation timeline. The current price of XRP is below the 20-day Bollinger Band middle line ($2.37), with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) dropping to 40.72, indicating a weakening bullish momentum. Support levels are at $2.18 and $2.12, and if it drops further, it may retest the psychological level of $2.00.

Industry Impact: Digital Money Drives Innovation in the Tourism Sector

The collaboration between Webus and Air China is not only an innovative attempt in the field of travel payments but also reflects the increasing importance of cryptocurrency in the global financial system. The fast and low-cost cross-border payment characteristics of XRP make it an ideal choice for the travel industry, especially in scenarios involving a global membership of 60 million. Webus plans to achieve real-time fare settlement and driver refunds through the XRP Ledger, providing travelers with a seamless experience while enhancing member loyalty through tokenized rewards.

This collaboration may also promote the integration of airline loyalty programs with Web3 solutions. Webus plans to provide Phoenix Miles members with blockchain-based coupons and tokenized rewards, features that may extend to Air China's partner network, creating broader ecosystem value. Analysts point out that if Webus and Air China successfully implement XRP payments, it could encourage other airlines and travel platforms to explore similar solutions, driving the industry towards digital transformation.

In addition, Webus's XRP strategy resonates with global Blockchain payment trends. In August 2025, China's leading supply chain fintech company Linklogis announced the integration of its trillion-dollar supply chain finance platform with the XRP Ledger for tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), global payments, and trade financing. This trend indicates that XRP is transitioning from a cryptocurrency peripheral tool to a core component of global financial infrastructure.

The collaboration between Webus and Air China marks a breakthrough in digital money payment in the tourism industry. By integrating XRP payments, Webus and Air China aim to provide a more efficient and innovative travel experience for 60 million Phoenix Miles members. However, regulatory compliance remains a key challenge for implementation, and the volatility and speculative nature of the XRP market cast a shadow of uncertainty over the prospects of the partnership.

Nevertheless, Webus's strategic layout—from a $300 million XRP reserve to its cooperation with Air China—demonstrates its firm confidence in Blockchain technology. The rapid settlement and low-cost features of XRP present great potential for travel payments, while tokenized rewards and Web3 solutions pave new paths for industry innovation. As the global regulatory framework gradually improves, the collaboration between Webus and Air China may become a pioneer of digital money-driven transformation in the tourism industry, warranting continued attention.