Sunday, August 25, 2024 Beond , a business-class-only airline focusing on luxury leisure travel, has announced a one-year delay in launching its direct services between the Maldives, Hong Kong, and mainland China due to extended aircraft delivery times. Despite the setback, the airline remains committed to providing an upscale travel experience for affluent holidaymakers. Targeting high-end travelers to the Maldives, Beond, pronounced “beyond,” offers a private jet-like experience with fully flat beds.
The airline’s CEO, Tero Taskila, shared with the Post that luxury travelers from Hong Kong and mainland China would need to wait until next year to experience this premium service due to the delay in aircraft delivery. Based in Malé, Beond began operations last November and currently serves five destinations, including Dubai, Munich, Zurich, and Milan. The airline plans to launch a non-stop service to Hong Kong next year, with a flight time of approximately 61⁄2 hours, contingent on aircraft availability and government approvals.
Taskila also mentioned plans to expand to three to five destinations in mainland China next year, depending on aircraft delivery progress and bilateral agreements with Beijing. Currently, Beond operates two aircraft: an Airbus A319 with 44 seats, compared to the usual 150 economy class seats, and a larger Airbus A321 with 68 seats, versus a standard 220-seat configuration. While fare details for the Hong Kong to Malé route have yet to be an.