BANGKOK — IATA will offer digital currencies in the financial settlement systems it operates for the aviation industry.

“Digitalization impacts many aspects of our daily lives, including the currency we use. With the increasing use of digital currencies, it is imperative that IATA’s industry financial settlement systems adapt to support the needs of those using our services,” said Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Financial Settlement and Distribution Services.

The first digital currency to be offered is the digital Renminbi, which will be available in the China BSP by the end of 2024.

“China is one of the most advanced countries in the world in the adoption of digital currency. Recognizing the trend, IATA’s China Airline Committee requested for the digital Renminbi to be included in the BSP. This is an important development and IATA will accommodate the digital Renminbi by year-end,” said Albakri.

IATA is also examining the potential to offer other digital currencies in its settlement systems based on the needs and requirements of the industry. “The experience gained in introducing the digital Renminbi will help IATA in onboarding other digital currencies in the future,” said Albakri.