I think this is a great way to attract the customers, or atleast the attention. It is very essential today to keep updated with current technologies that are available and usable. Soon, many industries will adopt crypto, or specially NFT utility so to increase their user base. Using Nfts will not only help Etihad to grow but also create a positive trend towards the use of NFT this crypto. Let's see where it goes and how much time it takes.
I think you are over estimating number of NFT users that would use that airline. But that\s what this definitely is a marketing tactic for a fringe group.
And frankly i don't see why nft is needed for something that's basically paid membership and could be done with centralized service. It's not like you want to combat big bad corrupt airlines this way, as these are literally for a centralied cervice. I don't see nft being handy in any way on this. And who would buy overpriced membership later on?