Luxury airline Beond launched its first flight between Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Male, Maldives (MLE) via Dubai (DWC) on July 3, 2024.
The Italian city is the third and latest addition to Beond’s European network. The new service has been launched following the startup airline’s decision to suspend or significantly reduce flights to the other two airports it serves in Europe, Munich (MUC) and Zurich (ZRH).
A source speaking on behalf of Beond confirmed that the airline has adjusted frequencies during the Maldives low tourist season, which runs from May through September, and that it expects to bring back the Munich flights in autumn. In the meantime, Beond has made its aircraft available for charter operations.
As of June 2024, Beond operates an Airbus A319 specially configured with 68 business class seats. Beond has also received a second aircraft, an A321, which is undergoing a cabin refit and is yet to enter service with the airline.
In a recent interview with AeroTime, Beond’s co-founder and CEO, Tero Taskila reiterated the airline’s commitment to continue growing its network and highlighted Bangkok as a likely new destination after the launch of flights to Milan.