Billed the world’s first all-leisure airline, the new Maldives-based luxury airline Beond is set to debut in September with a Dubai-Maldives route. One-way fares start at US$1,500.
A joint venture between UAE-based investment group Arabesque and local trading company SIMDI Group, the airline’s fleet of A320 aircraft reportedly features all-premium seating arrangements with 68 fully lie-flat seats, offering a “private jet experience” to passengers.
Beond plans to provide home check-in services as well as concierge and chauffeur services out of private jet terminals. Luggage will be collected by a chauffeur and transferred directly to the hotel room.
The airline plans on expanding to 52 non-stop destinations in 26 countries, including Hong Kong, Milan, Munich, Paris, Riyadh, Singapore, Taipei, Vienna, and Zurich.
In late May, Beond apologised for falsely claiming national carrier status. After the Maldives government denied granting the status, the airline’s management apologised for “incorrect statements” made by CEO Tero Taskila in an interview with CNN’s Richard Quest.
After a dip in May, tourist arrivals picked up in June with 95,736 visitors as of 25 June, representing a 3.5% increase from the same period last year.
The Maldives welcomed 904,980 tourists by 25 June, up 13.9% from last year.
After overtaking Russia, India was the top market with 107,117 tourists (11.8% market share), followed by Russia, UK, Germany, Italy, China, USA, France, Switzerland and South Korea.
Oman Air resumed flying to the Maldives with four weekly flights between Muscat and Malé with 162-seat 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The Omani flag carrier stopped the service in April 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The newest graduates of the Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme were handed certificates at a ceremony at the Maldives National University in Malé.
Some 59 apprentices graduated in disciplines such as food and beverages, housekeeping and guest services, front office and Recreation, PADI dive master, safe maritime transport, engineering, marine biology and water sports.
Now in its 22nd year, the programme is the longest-running and most successful of its kind in the region.
