All-business Beond airline to commence operations in November

An all-business class airline is set to commence operations next month with its hub in the Maldivian capital of Male.

Initially, the airline will begin with flights from Munich, Riyadh and Zurich to Velana International airport (MLE), followed by services from Milan and Dubai to Male in March 2024.

From Riyadh the inaugural flight will depart on November 9 and will operate as a twice-weekly service every Thursday and Saturday. The first flight from Munich to Male will commence on November 15, operating every Wednesday and Sunday, with a refuelling stop at Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai wherein guests will remain on-board.

Similarly, flights from Munich will also commence on November 15, operated every Tuesday and Friday, and will also have a refuelling stop on both legs at DWC.

Beond will begin services with one Airbus A319 aircraft in a single cabin class configuration fitted with 44 180-degree lay-flat seats. That aircraft will also be on display at the upcoming Dubai Air Show in mid-November.

Additional Airbus A321 ceo aircraft which Beond expects to receive in 2023 will feature 68 such seats in a 2-2 configuration.

Airbus A321LR/XLR deliveries will begin in 2024 and those aircraft will have 68 passenger seats each.

The airline says that it aims to have 32 aircraft and connect 60 destinations within five years.

“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,” said Tero Taskila, CEO and founder of Beond.

Tickets are already on sale for the Munich, Riyadh and Zurich routes to and from Male. There are three primary booking classes: Delight Experience, Bliss Experience and Opulence Experience. All three have a 40kg checked baggage allowance, but the Bliss option allows lounge access and complimentary chauffer service while the Opulence category additionally allows for date changes at no extra cost.

Beond positions itself as “the world’s first premium leisure airline” and says that its seats (similar to those found on the Four Seasons Private Jet) are designed by Italian firm Optimares. The carrier has already pre-ordered seats for 16 aircraft. Other premium offerings include iPads that would deliver IFE for each passenger, tableware by English brand William Edwards, silverware by Robert Welch and leadfree crystal glassware.

Average return fares for a flight from Riyadh to Male start from approximately SAR7,140 including taxes, while a return flight from Munich-Male starts at approximately US$2,880 whereas return fares from Zurich begin from US$3,730 per passenger.

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This article originally appeared on Business Traveller Middle East