MALÉ, MALDIVES — November 15, 2025 — BeOnd, the world’s first all-business-class leisure airline based in the Maldives, has announced plans to expand into the United States, partnering with U.S. carrier New Pacific Airlines to make premium air travel more accessible.
The collaboration aims to create a new model of affordable business-class service across both regional and transatlantic routes, marking a significant shift in how luxury air travel is marketed and delivered.
Partnership Seeks to Democratize Premium Travel
Under the new partnership, BeOnd will leverage New Pacific’s fleet and U.S. operating licenses while providing its own luxury cabin design, onboard service, and route strategy. In exchange, New Pacific gains entry into BeOnd’s expanding global network.
“This partnership aligns two complementary strengths — operational reach and luxury expertise,” said a BeOnd spokesperson. “Together, we want to make business-class travel attainable for more passengers.”
If the plan moves forward, BeOnd would become the second business-class-only airline to serve the U.S., following France’s La Compagnie, which operates transatlantic flights between New York and Europe.
BeOnd’s Business-Model Advantage
BeOnd currently operates two Airbus A321 aircraft, both former EasyJet airframes refurbished with 68 lie-flat business-class seats. The airline’s concept offers half-priced business-class fares compared with traditional legacy carriers, primarily connecting Malé with premium leisure destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
By launching BeOnd America, the company intends to replicate its model within the U.S. domestic market and later expand to transatlantic routes, combining comfort, digital personalization, and competitive pricing.
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Challenges in Fleet and Scalability
Despite the ambition, analysts note several operational constraints. With only two aircraft and limited capital, BeOnd will need additional fleet capacity to sustain U.S. operations. Even including New Pacific’s nine aircraft, coverage remains limited for a large-scale network.
“A long-haul expansion requires not just planes but consistent cash flow, trained crews, and logistical infrastructure,” said Emma Matthews, an aviation consultant. “Scaling an all-business airline is challenging, especially in competitive markets like North America.”
Balancing Luxury With Profitability
BeOnd’s emphasis on premium service adds cost pressures. Operating with fewer seats per aircraft means higher per-passenger expenses for fuel, staffing, and maintenance.
Each BeOnd flight offers high-end catering, unlimited beverages, and curated amenities, including complimentary travel kits. While these enhance brand identity, they also raise concerns about sustainability and profit margins in long-haul service.
Industry Response and Market Outlook
Aviation analysts see potential for BeOnd’s U.S. move if managed strategically. “There’s growing demand for luxury at mid-market pricing,” said Alessandro Renesis, editor at Supercar Blondie. “If BeOnd executes efficiently, it could disrupt niche premium travel.”
The partnership could also benefit New Pacific, a charter operator seeking steady post-pandemic recovery through shared resources and cross-marketing.
Future Expansion and Vision
BeOnd executives envision building a global network of boutique premium routes, linking U.S. cities with island and resort destinations worldwide. Early discussions include Los Angeles, Miami, and New York as possible gateways.
“BeOnd’s success lies in combining experience with efficiency,” said CEO Tero Taskila in an earlier statement. “Our goal is to redefine what passengers expect from modern business travel — comfort, style, and affordability without compromise.”
The airline has not disclosed a launch date but confirmed that feasibility studies and regulatory filings are underway. Industry observers expect more details in the first quarter of 2026.
