Maldives-based carrier Beond is preparing to bring its all-business-class airline to the US market in 2026, despite initial setbacks. Olivia Palamountain reports

Maldives-based carrier Beond is continuing to pursue plans to enter the US market with an all-business-class airline, despite losing its initial operating partner shortly after the project was announced. Reports indicate that the airline is still targeting an October 2026 launch for its proposed US subsidiary, Beond America, and expects to confirm a new American partner in early 2026.

Beond launched operations in November 2023 with a clear focus on what it describes as "premium leisure travel". Rather than targeting time-pressed corporate flyers, the airline is designed for travellers flying primarily to rest and unwind. Its aircraft operate with a single cabin of lie-flat seats and a service style intended to reduce stress and noise throughout the journey.

“Our mission has always been to make premium leisure travel feel effortless, thoughtful, and emotionally rewarding,” says Tero Taskila, CEO of Beond.

The airline currently flies from a small number of European and Middle Eastern cities, including Munich, Zurich, Milan, Dubai and Riyadh, to the Maldives.

Its fleet consists of Airbus narrowbody aircraft configured entirely with business-class seating. Onboard features include lie-flat seats upholstered in Italian leather, oversized pillows, plush blankets and bespoke tableware, with menus built around seasonal ingredients. Depending on fare type, passengers may also receive lounge access and private ground transfers.

Beond’s proposed US expansion was first revealed through a partnership with New Pacific Airlines, an Anchorage-based carrier that planned to provide FAA-certified operations under its US operating certificate. The agreement would have allowed Beond to focus on branding and customer experience while New Pacific handled flight operations.

However, New Pacific Airlines ceased operations in late 2025, shortly after the partnership was announced. As a result, Beond America has not yet launched and no US flights are currently on sale. Beond has since confirmed that it is actively searching for a new US-based airline partner that meets regulatory requirements for Part 121 commercial operations, which mandate US ownership and control.

Despite the setback, Beond chief executive Tero Taskila says the airline’s US ambitions remain unchanged. He has also confirmed that the company is in the process of raising additional funding to support its expansion plans, including an estimated US$100 million earmarked for growth.

When it launches, Beond America is expected to operate Airbus A320-family aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and Airbus A321, fitted with between 56 and 68 fully-flat seats. This is significantly fewer than the seating density of most US domestic aircraft and reflects Beond’s intention to position itself as a boutique alternative to mainstream carriers.

While early media coverage has suggested potential domestic routes, including services to leisure destinations such as Hawaii, the airline has not yet confirmed any specific routes or schedules. All plans remain subject to securing a new operating partner and receiving regulatory approvals from US authorities.

The US venture forms part of Beond’s wider strategy to build a multi-jurisdictional airline group operating under multiple air operator certificates. In addition to its Maldives base and planned US operation, the company has stated its intention to establish airlines in Saudi Arabia and India.

In November 2025, Beond began flying from Milan to Saudi Arabia's new Red Sea International airport, making it the first direct flight from Europe. (The airline also serves Riyadh-Male.)

Longer term, Beond has set a target fleet size of 56 aircraft by 2030, while maintaining an all-business-class model.

If successful, Beond America would stand out in the US market, where lie-flat seating is typically limited to long-haul international routes. For now, however, the airline’s US debut remains dependent on regulatory progress, funding and the appointment of a new American operating partner.