Beond Airlines, the world’s first premium leisure airline, took to the skies today as it unveiled its inaugural aircraft in an exclusive livery and a lavishly appointed cabin. Celebratory events were held in Malé, Maldives, attended by dignitaries, investors, supporters, and employees, and simultaneously broadcasted online and in-person in Dubai. The airline presented its first aircraft, an Airbus A319 configured to offer 44 passengers an all lay-flat seating experience.
“Welcome to Beond. Our aim is simple: to fly our customers to the most unique and unspoiled destinations where they can release their inner explorer on the most memorable vacation of their lives,” declared Tero Taskila, CEO and co-founder of Beond. “Today is but the beginning of our vision for our customers, embodied by this beautiful aircraft – inside and out. We could not be more pleased to showcase it in the Maldives, our home, and Dubai. We wish to thank the government of the Maldives and our supporters there, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, and SIMDI Group – each of whom believed in our vision for a new airline in the Maldives. Our team will do its best to bring tourists to this beautiful nation.”
Beond’s inaugural passenger flights are slated to commence in November 2023, with the Riyadh inaugural flight scheduled for November 9, the Munich inaugural on November 15, and the Zurich inaugural departing on November 17. Leading up to the scheduled launch of regular services, early bird customers have chartered the aircraft to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Moreover, the airline has announced new routes from Dubai and Milan, set to begin in late March 2024.
“Today is the realization of a dream I first had 20 years ago,” revealed Max Nilov, Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of Beond. “I had a dream of this airline, for this aircraft, and for this experience for passengers. We have created a premium experience coupled with an operating philosophy that is unmatched.”
Sascha Feuerherd, Chief Commercial Officer of Beond, remarked, “The response by customers and stakeholders has been excellent in our launch cities – which was to be expected. And now the interest has grown from other new origins on our route map. I look forward to greeting our first passengers as they board.”
Beond Airlines will operate a fleet of state-of-the-art Airbus A320-family aircraft configured in a unique luxury lay-flat arrangement, offering travelers access to the Maldives from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. The first Beond aircraft will be on display at the Dubai Air Show in mid-November, and additional Airbus aircraft will join the Beond fleet in late 2023 and early 2024.
