A new startup carrier, Beond, is set to revolutionize the travel experience to the Maldives by offering exclusively premium seating on their flights. Launching next month, the airline aims to cater to the luxury-minded, leisure traveler by providing an unrivaled experience on narrow-body planes fitted with lie-flat seats.
Initially operating with a single Airbus A319 aircraft and three routes, Beond plans to rapidly expand its fleet and reach within the coming months. The airline’s CEO, Tero Taskila, has dubbed Beond as the world’s first “luxury leisure” carrier, targeting customers in search of high-end travel experiences. With ambitious plans for expansion, including the addition of an Airbus A321 to their fleet by the end of the year, Beond appears poised to make a significant impact on the luxury travel market.
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Routes Planned to and from the Maldives
Beond, a new airline based in the Maldives, is set to launch three initial routes connecting Maldinves to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) on November 9th, Munich on November 15th, and Zurich on November 17th. Furthermore, as the company expands, it plans to introduce additional routes to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai and Milan Malpensa Airport in late March.
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The airline’s growth plans are ambitious: within the next five years, Beond aims to have a fleet of 32 aircraft and offer more than 60 destinations out of the Maldives, providing travelers with access to unique and unspoiled destinations. The exact details of its future route map remain undisclosed, and it is yet to be determined whether the airline would eventually serve the United States.
Currently, Beond’s fleet consists of single-aisle Airbus A320 family aircraft. Due to the limited range of these planes, some European routes would require a brief refueling stop in Dubai. This could potentially affect the airline’s appeal of providing direct flights to the Maldives for European travelers.
As for the prospect of catering to American tourists or serving North America, Beond representatives have stated that Maldives is just the beginning, and more hubs are planned for the future.
Beond’s Service
Beond, a new premium leisure airline, aims to provide a luxurious travel experience for passengers heading to the Maldives. The airline offers a direct connection to this sought-after vacation destination while ensuring an unparalleled level of comfort.
Layout
Passengers can expect a limousine service from their homes to the airport, included in all fares except the lower-level tickets. The aircraft’s interior features a 2-2 configuration with each seat offering lie-flat capabilities. These seats, designed by boutique Italian company Optimares, are also found on the private aircraft of Four Seasons.
Although all the seats provide premium comfort, Beond prefers to label itself as a leisure airline rather than an all-business class airline. The airline sets itself apart with its limited number of seats, with the A319 aircraft accommodating just 44 passengers, and the A321 seating 68 customers. This is significantly lower than the usual capacity found in typical commercial service for these aircraft types.
Entertainment
For in-flight entertainment, the airline provides tailored content, including Apple iPads and wireless headphones for each passenger. The airline also offers high-end meal options and aims to partner with Maldives resorts to facilitate seamless transfers, as many hotels in the Maldives can only be reached by speedboat or seaplane.
The aircraft’s livery features a graphite gray color that has been carefully selected to avoid overheating issues, a potential problem with darker shades. Interestingly, Beond has intentionally excluded inflight Wi-Fi from its amenities, stating that customers typically visit the Maldives to disconnect and escape from their hectic daily lives.
Overall, Beond’s service emphasizes premium seating, luxury experiences, and fast track security for premium travelers seeking a relaxing and unforgettable journey to the Maldives.
Booking a Trip on Beond
Traveling with Beond offers a range of fare options, beginning at around $1,500 one way. For instance, a round-trip flight from Munich to Maldives in January can be found for approximately $2,883. When booking a trip, passengers can choose from three fare types to suit different leisure travelers’ preferences.
The base fare, “Delight,” comes with a checked bag, but seat selection is not included and costs around $25 each way. For an additional $300, the “Bliss” fare provides extra perks such as seat selection, complimentary limo service to the airport, and lounge access. Another $300 upgrade buys an “Opulence” ticket, granting even greater ticket change flexibility.
Regardless of the fare type chosen, all Beond passengers benefit from Fast Track security and the convenience of having their bags transferred directly to their hotel. It is important to note that flights may include a brief refueling stop, as shown in the Munich itinerary, with a stop in Dubai. During this stop, passengers remain on board, and no additional passengers are allowed to board the plane.
In summary, booking a trip with the new airline can cater to different budgets and preferences, providing a unique travel experience for leisure travelers.
Is Flying Beond Worth It?
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Beond is the direct access to Maldives, eliminating layovers for most passengers. This convenience appeals to travelers, as currently, 90% of passengers traveling to the Maldives need to make connections at hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi when flying with airlines like Emirates, Qatar, or Etihad.
However, it is important to note that Beond does not offer a frequent flyer program, so travelers cannot redeem points or miles for flights on this premium carrier. US travelers eager to experience the new airline’s service will need to book a flight to cities like Zurich or Munich.
To make the most cost-effective decision, compare Beond’s fares with ultra-cheap coach tickets to cities like Zurich or Munich. Combining these flights with Beond might create an affordable split itinerary, especially if Beond fares are at the lower end of their price range.
For reference, business-class tickets from New York to Maldives, usually with one or two stops, typically cost between $3,000 and $4,000. So, if you choose Beond’s all-business class experience with their Airbus A321 aircraft, offering lie-flat seats on narrow-body planes, be sure to compare prices and weigh the conveniences accordingly.
When planning a split itinerary, allow plenty of time between flights to ensure a smooth travel experience. Overall, considering Beond as an option depends on a traveler’s preferences valuing convenience, comfort, and their budget for the Maldives trip.
The Bottom Line
Beond, an emerging all-premium leisure airline, has high aspirations with its compact fleet and select routes. The airline intends to expand its operations in the future to cater to a niche market of passengers seeking a more luxurious travel experience. In the coming months and years, the success of the new airline will be evident as we observe its financial performance and its ability to attract passengers amidst stiff competition in the aviation industry. It is essential for Beond to navigate the numerous challenges that startups usually encounter to ensure its long-term viability. As of now, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, and the industry will watch with interest as Beond takes off on its unique journey.
