Male’ Maldives, 15th October 2023 – Beond, recognized as the world’s premier leisure airline, unveiled its exclusive and sophisticated aircraft livery today in Malé, Maldives. The event was graced by dignitaries, investors, supporters, and employees who witnessed the airline’s introduction of its maiden aircraft, an Airbus A319 configured to accommodate 44 passengers in luxurious lay-flat seating.
Tero Taskila, CEO and co-founder of Beond, welcomed everyone, stating, “Welcome to Beond. Our mission is straightforward: to transport our customers to the pristine and exceptional Maldives, offering them the opportunity to unleash their inner explorer during the most unforgettable vacation of their lives. We are thrilled to present our aircraft in the Maldives, our home. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Maldives government, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, SIMDI Group, and investors from around the world, all of whom believed in our vision for a new airline in the Maldives. Our team is dedicated to bringing tourists to this beautiful nation.”
Beond’s inaugural flights are set to commence in November 2023, with the Riyadh inaugural on November 9, the Munich inaugural on November 15, and the Zurich inaugural on November 17. In the period leading up to the scheduled launch, early bird customers have chartered the aircraft to experience the Maldives firsthand.
Max Nilov, Chief Strategy Officer and primary founder of Beond, expressed, “Today marks the realization of a dream I’ve cherished for years—a dream of this airline, this aircraft, and this unparalleled passenger experience. We’ve created a premium offering coupled with an unrivaled operational philosophy.” Sascha Feuerherd, Chief Commercial Officer of Beond, added, “The response from customers and stakeholders in our launch cities has been outstanding, as expected. Interest is now growing from other new origins on our route map. I eagerly await welcoming our first passengers on board.”
Beond will operate a fleet of cutting-edge Airbus A320-family aircraft configured with a unique luxury, lay-flat seating, connecting passengers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific to the Maldives. The first Beond aircraft will be showcased at the Dubai Air Show in mid-November, with additional Airbus aircraft joining the Beond fleet in late 2023 and early 2024.
Upon the arrival of Beond’s inaugural aircraft, SIMDI Group expressed their delight in being part of this exciting journey in introducing the world to the first premium leisure airline. For over two decades, SIMDI has played a pivotal role in shaping the Maldivian tourism landscape, pioneering some of the initial luxury resorts in this paradise nation. Their vision is clear: to showcase the enchanting Maldives in a style that is unparalleled. They conveyed their gratitude to Beond for making their dream a reality and for selecting the Maldives as Beond’s ideal home.
Beond is making a positive impact in the Maldives, even prior to commencing its operations. The airline already employs over 75 individuals in the Maldives and envisions hiring 1,600 pilots and cabin crew for its Maldives operations, with a strong focus on local recruitment. Furthermore, Beond anticipates generating an additional 1,300 jobs directly and indirectly in the Maldives within the next five years, contributing to the growth of the local tourism ecosystem. The airline is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen in the Maldives and will initiate community-based initiatives in the areas of health, education, and equal opportunities over the next six months.
