Beond, a premium leisure airline based in the Maldives, has taken delivery of a second aircraft, and has plans for further expansion in the near future. This week, the airline announced that its fleet has expanded to include an Airbus A321, which comes in addition to its existing Airbus A319.
Beond will use the aircraft, which comes fitted with an all-premium cabin of 68 lie-flat seats, to launch service to Milan, Dubai, and Bangkok later this year.
Beond Expands Network with New Airbus A321
Beond is a premium leisure airline based out of Malé (MLE) in the Maldives, which operated its first commercial flight in November 2023.
Since its launch, Beond has flown an Airbus A319 fitted with 44 lie-flat seats in a 2-2 all-premium configuration between Malé (MLE) and Munich (MUC), Zurich (ZRH), and Riyadh (RUH).
The airline has recently taken delivery of an Airbus A321, which is a larger aircraft with 68 seats also arranged in a 2-2 all-premium configuration.
As of mid-2024, the newly leased A321 will be deployed to fly between Malé and the following new destinations:
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
- Bangkok–Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Service to Milan (MXP) and Dubai (DWC) is slated to begin as of July 2, 2024, and tickets can be booked through the Beond website. At the time of writing, service to Bangkok (DMK) has yet to be scheduled.
The airline is eventually looking to expand its fleet to 32 aircraft, which it expects to have accomplished in the next five years.Â
Flying to the Maldives with Beond
Beond offers passengers a unique way to fly to and from an aspirational destination at a price similar to or less than competing premium carriers.
The airline plans to offer flights to the Maldives from Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Beond boasts an all-premium narrowbody cabin with lie-flat seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration.
Depending on the fare option you choose, you can also have lounge access and a chauffeured ride to the airport included in the experience.
Onboard, you’ll be treated to fine dining and a luxuriously upholstered seat.
Without an in-house loyalty program or partnership with a transferrable points currency at present, flights with Beond can only be booked with cash.
For example, introductory round-trip fares on the Milan (MXP)–Malé (MLE) route are priced at $2,717 (USD), which is cheaper or comparable to the pricing of premium Middle Eastern carriers, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
It’s worth noting that there’s a refueling stop in Dubai (DWC) between Milan (MXP) and the Maldives. However, you remain onboard, and the total flight time should be similar to or less than flying with other airlines.
Conclusion
Malé-based Beond Airlines has taken delivery of a second aircraft – an Airbus A321 that features 68 lie-flat seats in an all-premium cabin. The aircraft is slated to expand the airline’s network, and it will soon bring passengers from Milan (MXP), Dubai (DWC), and Bangkok (DMK) to Malé (MLE).
Tickets on the Milan (MXP) and Dubai (DWC) routes can be booked through the Beond website, while tickets to Bangkok (DMK) have yet to commence sales.
Beond offers a premium experience at a price point comparable to or cheaper than its regional competitors, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
This story originally appeared on princeoftravel
