Beond: The Brand-New Luxury Travel Airlines Starting from the Maldives

The Maldives is set to welcome a new entrant to the airline industry next month, as Beond, the self-proclaimed world’s first “premium leisure” carrier, prepares for its inaugural flight. The startup airline unveiled its first aircraft, an Airbus A319, with an exclusive all-business class interior boasting 44 lie-flat seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration. The plane, dressed in a striking graphite gray livery with gold accents, was revealed during a launch event held in Dubai.

Details on Beond

Beond, founded in January 2022, is gearing up for a rapid expansion plan. Initially, the airline will operate with only one aircraft, the Airbus A319, but it has ambitious goals to acquire a long-range, 68-seat aircraft by year-end and expand its fleet further in spring 2024.

Tero Taskila, Beond’s founder and CEO, emphasised the airline’s focus on luxury and leisure travel. The company aims to cater to travelers seeking top-notch experiences, with its entire product designed with this niche market in mind. Taskila envisions a future where Beond connects the Maldives with numerous unique and unspoiled destinations, aiming to fly customers on unforgettable vacations.

The first commercial flight for Beond is scheduled for November 9, linking Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with Male Velana International Airport (MLE). Subsequent flights are slated for November 15 and 17, connecting Munich International Airport (MUC) and Zurich Airport (ZRH) with the Maldivian capital. Despite the luxury on offer, there are a few minor drawbacks, including the fact that some European flights will make refueling stops in Dubai. However, this inconvenience will likely be addressed as Beond plans to introduce long-range Airbus A321neos to its fleet.

Establishing a Niche

The airline’s vision has gained recognition and anticipation within the industry. Industry experts like Jonny Clark, the founder of The Design Air, see Beond as a potential candidate to follow in the footsteps of La Compagnie, another successful long-haul, all-business class carrier.

While Beond has received acclaim for its interiors and design, including the stylish monochromatic finish, the full brand experience, including in-flight amenities, remains to be seen. A slight concern is the stowing of TV monitors as tablets during take-off and landing, a potential point of annoyance for some passengers on long-haul flights. Beond’s journey has just begun, and its ambitions to expand its fleet to 32 aircraft and more than 60 destinations in the next five years indicate a determined push to carve a niche in the luxury travel market. With a strong focus on premium leisure experiences, Beond aspires to make a significant mark in the world of air travel, all while showcasing the beauty and charm of its home country, the Maldives.