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Monday 23 Dec 2024
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
Beond unveils its first aircraft on October 9, 2023. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Maavee)
Beond — the world’s first premium leisure airline — has unveiled its sophisticated and unique aircraft livery.
The airline - jointly owned by UAE-based firm Arabesque and Maldivian hospitality company SIMDI Group - showcased its first aircraft, an Airbus A319 seating 44 passengers in a luxurious all lay-flat configuration, in an event at the Velana International Airport in Male’ on Monday.
The aircraft landed at the airport to a water salute at around 12:30 pm.
“Welcome to Beond. Our aim is simple: to fly our customers to Maldives, a most unique and unspoiled destination where they can release their inner explorer on the most memorable vacation of their lives,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of Beond, and a founder.
“We could not be more pleased to showcase our aircraft in Maldives, our home. We wish especially to thank the government of Maldives and our supporters there, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, and SIMDI Group and other investors from around the world — 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.”
The airline is scheduled to launch its inaugural flights from three destinations in November.
Tickets start at USD 2,000.
Beond said it will conduct special promotions for Maldivians once its operations start.
Sascha Feuerherd, Chief Commercial Officer of Beond said the response by customers and stakeholders has been excellent in launch cities.
“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,” she said.
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.
On the arrival of the first aircraft of Beond, SIMDI Group expressed their joy of being a part of the exciting journey in unveiling the world's first premium leisure airline.
For over two decades, SIMDI has shaped the Maldivian tourism landscape, pioneering some of the first luxury resorts in the paradise nation.
“Our vision is clear: introduce the world to the enchanting Maldives in unparalleled style. This is a proud moment for all Maldivians. We thank Beond for their courage in making their dream a reality and for choosing Maldives as the ideal home for Beond,” said SIMDI.
Beond has more than 75 employees in Maldives, and anticipates hiring 1,600 pilots and cabin crew for Maldives operations.
It said it will focus on hiring locally as much as possible.
Beond believes it will generate an additional 1,300 jobs directly and indirectly in the Maldives within the next five years, across the tourism ecosystem.
The airline said it is committed to being a good corporate citizen in Maldives, and will work over the next six months to create new initiatives in the community focused on health, education, and equal opportunities.
