Blockchain-based distribution platform Winding Tree will
receive technological information from Lufthansa Group that will make it easier
for Winding Tree to work with long-haul carriers. Additionally, Winding Tree
will launch a token sale to establish its cryptocurrency, Lif, on Nov. 1, and
Lufthansa will participate in the presale to show it's "committed to using
the platform," Winding Tree COO Pedro Anderson said.
"We see this as a historical moment for travel, more
specifically for travel distribution, because it's the first case where a
travel company is buying into a decentralized project, and not as an investor,"
Anderson said. "Everything is open source, and they're committed to
getting their hands dirty."
Lufthansa SVP of distribution and revenue management Markus
Binkert said, "By integrating these APIs with Winding Tree's public
blockchain, Lufthansa Group enables all innovative partners who develop
cutting-edge travel applications to access these offers via a decentralized and
[intermediary]-free travel marketplace." Lufthansa chief digital officer
Christian Langer added that Winding Tree is "a strong candidate to turn
today's understanding of distribution upside down."
After
the token sale, Winding Tree plans to launch
a hotel product, followed by an airline product.