New airline 'Beond' planning all-business service from Australia to the Maldives

[dairyfloss]

Just seen this in the Traveller section of the SMH. Not a bad alternative for those who aren't fussed on making or retaining status with someone! Initially an A319 from PER-MLE, with a view to A321neo options from other cities later on: A new premium Maldives airline with all-flat seats is headed for Australia

A new luxury airline with all-flat seats will head to Australia following its launch later this year, operating the first direct Australia-Maldives flight.

This masthead [SMH Traveller] can reveal designated Maldives carrier Beond (pronounced “beyond”) is on track to launch a non-stop Perth-Male route in less than a year.

The new “premium leisure” airline will target affluent holidaymakers of the South-Asian destination, offering a private jet-like experience and five-star services such as private airport transfers, lounge access and gourmet in-flight dining.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[docjames]

Any info on the fitout / seats / capacity?

Going to need a decent premium fare to fill an all lie flat A319/321…..

 

[dairyfloss]

Any info on the fitout / seats / capacity?

Going to need a decent premium fare to fill an all lie flat A319/321…..

Yes - detailed to some extent in the article linked above:

The Perth route will initially use an Airbus A319 with 44 seats.

[...] seats on the inaugural Perth service will be priced from about $US1500 ($2250) one-way, by early estimates.

Beond’s long-term plans for Australia include operating the first non-stop Maldives services from Sydney and Melbourne. Both east-coast routes hinge on the arrival of its long-range and extra-long-range narrow-body fleet, comprising 68-seat A321neo LR and XLR aircraft. Feuerherd says the carrier hopes to launch the services before the end of 2024.

And some design pics:

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Mwenenzi]

25 Nov 2022 New Luxury Airline BEOND to Fly Guests to the Maldives
27 Jun 2023 Beond, a new Maldivian luxury airline to start this autumn

But do they have money, aircraft crew?
Do they have the regulatory authority approvals? [can take a loooog time to get]
PR announcements are easy. Reality is harder.

Taking you to places that are above and beyond

Beond - Taking you to places that are above and beyond

www.flybeond.com

 

[Scarlett]

If it’s pitched cheaper than J with SQ (via SIN) and UL (via CMB) you’d think they have a shot. Maybe only one service a week from each of their planned cities would seem about right for the capacity they’re planning to offer.

 

[jb747]

319 had the most pronounced dutch roll of any aircraft I've ever paxed on.

 

[docjames]

The website is very glossy and also very sketchy on actual details.

 

[bussyboy]

Just saw this airline on Facebook, is it actuary legit flying?


Priced up a random flight out of interest, couldn't just fly ZRH-DWC unfortunately

 

[AIRwin]

Just saw this airline on Facebook, is it actuary legit flying?

I came across a recent review:

I went on board Beond, 'the world's first premium leisure airline' with lie-flat beds — but I don't think it's better than business class

Beond is an airline where every seat is a luxury experience with lie-flat beds, but its single A319 jet has to stop to refuel on most routes.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[jase05]

I came across a recent review:

I went on board Beond, 'the world's first premium leisure airline' with lie-flat beds — but I don't think it's better than business class

Beond is an airline where every seat is a luxury experience with lie-flat beds, but its single A319 jet has to stop to refuel on most routes.

www.businessinsider.com

Started flying in November with 3 routes initially.
RUH is direct but ZRH and FRA have a refuelling stop at DWC where passengers remain on board.
Some reviews look ok without blowing me away but would definitely consider them if the came to Australia

 

[p--and--t]

Based on that review & pics - with no privacy and being 190cm I think I’d give this a big miss.

 

[Quickstatus]

Well heeled passengers with MLE as a luxury destination will not be flying airlines like this

It will be more for budget passengers with a MLE as a budget destination stretching their budget with a pretend J

 

[Quickstatus]

319 had the most pronounced dutch roll of any aircraft I've ever paxed on.

I remember getting air sick on a 319 years ago. No similar on the A320.

I think the wing and vertical stabiliser are the same size?. Was it the implementation of the "software" which did not adequately take into account the changes in the 319?

 

[dairyfloss]

I recently recalled these guys were talking up PER-MLE for later this year. PER still exists on their map, but no longer appears as a planned route:



Cheers,
Matt.