beOnd Airlines Celebrates First Year, announces new
Middle East airline certificate, 5 destinations in 2025
beOnd Airlines Celebrates First Year of Redefining Premium Leisure Travel and Key Milestones, Primed for Future Growth
In its first year, the new airline has flown more than 8,000 discerning passengers
The Maldivian carrier features two Airbus aircraft featuring premium lay-flat seating and luxurious onboard amenities loved by customers
Current routes include Milan, Munich, Zurich, Riyadh, and Dubai to Malé, Maldives, and between Zurich and Dubai — with five new origin cities coming in 2025
The airline today announced plans for a second operating certificate from the Middle East, among other developments
DUBAI (Nov. 19, 2024) – beOnd Airlines, the world’s first premium leisure airline, today celebrated the first anniversary of service for the airline.
“This is only the beginning of beOnd, and we are proud of our track record to date,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of beOnd. “Our goal this year has been to exceed every expectation of our customers from the moment they book with us until they arrive in the Maldives, and we have achieved that. We are focused on growth in the market and ensuring the trust of our customers and partners as we do so.”
Key Metrics Demonstrate Customer Satisfaction, Business Success, and Economic Contribution
beOnd has served more than 8,000 customers since launch. The airline has maintained its vision of affordable luxury, offering attractive fares at around €3,000 roundtrip, including taxes and fees. beOnd measures net promoter score at distinct moments on the customer journey. The airline’s onboard experience Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 68, among the highest in the global airline industry. The overall NPS is +35 — compared to industry average of -10. Each will improve with new developments in Dubai at Al Maktoum International Airport and Velana International Airport in Malé. Tourism accounts for around 30% of the Maldivian GDP and 60+% of its foreign exchange. beOnd estimates it has directly contributed USD$210M in to the Maldivian economy — with a stated aim of 8% of Maldivian GDP and 20% of inbound foreign exchange by 2030. The airline directly employs more than 200 employees between its Dubai Headquarters and the Maldives.
Trust and Support Of Partners
“On behalf of our team at beOnd, I want to thank our customers, travel agency partners, investors, the Maldivian Civil Aviation Authority, airport partners in Munich, Zurich, Milan, Riyadh, Dubai and Male, and suppliers and vendors. Starting a new airline is not an easy task and we thank you for the trust you’ve put in us.”
Two Aircraft Now: Beautiful Dark Charcoal and Copper Livery with Fine Italian Design
The beOnd aircraft — two specially designed Airbus A319 seating 44 passengers and A321 seating 68 passengers in stunning hand-painted dark charcoal and copper livery — incorporates many elements of Italian design. For example, the plush white leather seats feature leather from Poltrona Frau, a renowned furniture and automotive designer founded in 1912. The seats were designed by Optimares, a leading aircraft seat designer and manufacturer, also based in Italy.
“Partners like Poltrona Frau and Optimares were instrumental in the design of our luxurious cabin,” Taskila said. “They understood from the outset our vision for customer comfort. You can sense the luxury when you board the aircraft — an all-white leather seat, debossed with the beOnd logo. It’s elegant and timeless — and handmade.”
A Multi-Operating Certificate Airline
beOnd today announced its intention to seek an additional operating certificate in a GCC country. This certificate enables the airline to expand its network and bring its luxury experience to more travellers, with the vision to bring tourism to this new destination.
Financing
beOnd has raised US$60M and has subsequently launched a Series A Round, expected to close in 2024. The investments will be used to increase the fleet, expand the operations to new markets, and launch beOnd’s next generation customer experience, all in 2025.
A Series of Milestones Over the Course of the Year
Other important milestones achieved in the first year include:
· 60% of beOnd’s flights are booked through leading travel agents in origin countries, while 40% of customers are booking directly, as was projected initially. beOnd has initiated distribution through the Sabre GDS and Travelport, which expands beOnd’s sales footprint, and through virtual Interlining with APG and EuroAirlines, which allows beOnd to quickly establish and deploy new partnerships while ensuring seamless real-time data exchange.
· Aviareps, Discover the World, and Al Mosafer are the market-leading GSAs in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, respectively, each serving beOnd. dnata Representation Services has been appointed as general sales agent (GSA) for the airline in the United Arab Emirates, with its team now providing a full range of travel services for beOnd customers flying to and from Dubai. Local infrastructure has been established for enhanced sales, marketing, and distribution support, to cater to current demand and future routes.
· Ansett Aviation Training will provide world-class training for beOnd’s flight crew members, underscoring beOnd’s commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards and delivering exceptional service to its passengers. With Ansett Aviation Training’s state-of-the-art pilot training facilities and expertise, beOnd’s crew will receive extensive training at Ansett’s network of training centres including the Dubai South facility.
· The airline has a began a successful charter business, transporting celebrities and sports teams, such as the Norwegian football team and the Al Ahli Football Club. While charter operations are not beOnd’s focus, the offer has resonated in the marketplace and the offer created.
· beOnd now serves Zurich, Switzerland to Dubai, as part of Fifth Freedom authority granted between the respective aviation authorities.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here