The world’s first premium leisure airline, Beond, took off following the unveiling of its sophisticated and unique aircraft livery at events in Male and Dubai.

At the event in Malé, Maldives, attended by dignitaries, investors, supporters and employees, and the global media event broadcast online and in-person in Dubai, the airline showcased its first aircraft, an Airbus A319 seating 44 passengers in a luxurious all lay-flat configuration.

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

“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 Maldives, our home, and Dubai. We wish especially to thank the government of 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 Maldives. Our team will do its best to bring tourists to this beautiful nation.”

Beond’s inaugural flights are scheduled for November 2023, with the Riyadh inaugural departing November 9, the Munich inaugural departing November 15, and the Zurich inaugural departing November 17.

Between now and the scheduled service launch, early bird customers have chartered the aircraft to experience the Maldives. In addition, the airline announced new routes from Dubai and Milan, beginning in late March 2024.

The airline is headquartered in Dubai and already has a team of 140 employees, it was revealed.

Beond expects superior operating economics: comparatively very light, single-aisle aircraft with extremely low costs per seat mile, it said.

The target consumers for the airline are affluent individuals, couples, families and friends seeking a vacation in a prime destination. Fares are around €1,500 one way per passenger, depending on destinations.

“Today is the realisation of a dream I first had 20 years ago,” said Max Nilov, Chief Strategy Officer of Beond, and a founder. “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, said: “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 will fly a fleet of state-of-the-art Airbus A320-family aircraft in a unique luxury, lay-flat configuration, bringing passengers to 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. Additional Airbus aircraft will join the Beond fleet in late 2023 and early 2024. The airline has a goal to increase its fleet to 32 aircraft and 60 destinations within five years.

Beond offers unique and tailored experiences for modern travellers. The airline hopes to initiate flights from a variety of destinations with the latest aviation and luxury travel innovations, it said.

Some key facts:

* Beond's seats are designed by Optimares

* Tableware by English brand William Edwards, of fine China with subtle golden watermark patterns

• Silverware in partnership with Robert Welch, a heritage English manufacturer

• Elegant Chilewich placemats and leadfree crystal glassware

• Single-class of service across the fleet with three fare families

• Driven by premium travel agency sales supplemented by direct to consumer

• Well-financed for aircraft acquisition and operations