SWITZERLAND. Leading travel retailer Avolta is piloting a new digital wallet payment model at Zurich Airport, giving customers the option to use stablecoin payments at its Level 2 duty-free store via a QR code.
Running from 9-25 September, the trial allows customers to scan a QR code and pay directly from their digital wallets, without relying on traditional card networks or intermediary payment providers.
Developed in collaboration with DevelopX, the solution uses blockchain technology to enable transactions to settle within seconds.
Avolta CFO Yves Gerster said, “For decades, the consumer payment experience has evolved, but the underlying principle remained largely unchanged.
“This pilot tests a fundamentally different approach: direct value transfer between customer and merchant.
“Wallet-to-wallet payments have the potential to meaningfully change the payment infrastructure and we look forward to learning from customers in a live retail environment.”
The initiative aligns with Avolta’s broader focus on innovation, as the retailer explores new technologies that could enhance the traveller experience and shape the future of retail payments. ✈
