Beond Airline Reflects on First Year, Outlines Future Expansion Plans

Luxury airline Beond marked its first year of operations at a media conference on November 19, 2024, sharing insights into its initial success and upcoming strategies. Co-founder and CEO Tero Taskila revealed that the airline has carried approximately 8,000 passengers in its first 12 months, achieving a 55% load factor. About 60% of the tickets were sold through travel agents, with the remainder through direct bookings.

Beond’s routes, including the Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Male (MLE) via Dubai (DWC), have performed well, and Taskila hinted at potential capacity increases on this route. The airline will also resume its service to Munich (MUC) after a seasonal break, although it remains uncertain whether it will operate year-round. Additionally, the Zurich (ZRH) to Dubai route, operated with fifth freedom rights, is attracting some business passengers alongside the usual leisure clientele.

Taskila emphasized that Beond’s business model is based on offering “affordable luxury,” a concept that has resonated well with customers, reflected in the airline’s strong Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 68. The use of Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which offers a less crowded and faster experience than Dubai International (DXB), has been a notable draw for premium travelers.

Looking ahead, Beond is applying for a second Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 2025 in either Saudi Arabia or the UAE to expand its footprint in the Middle East. The airline is eyeing markets such as Abu Dhabi (AUH), Jeddah (JED), and Bangkok (BKK), while also exploring new luxury travel destinations like NEOM and Al Ula in Saudi Arabia. Taskila highlighted that the airline’s operations have contributed US$210 million to the Maldivian GDP in its first year, with expectations for further growth.

In terms of fleet expansion, Beond plans to receive four additional aircraft in 2025, with a total of 27 aircraft expected by 2028. Currently, the airline operates two aircraft—a 44-seat A319 and a 68-seat A321.

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