“Hong Kong is a very important market for us. We are looking at Hong Kong very seriously. Unfortunately, we are experiencing delays in aircraft deliveries so we will not be able to operate there until the end of this year,” he said.
“Hong Kong is one of the markets we want to add to our Beond network in 2025. We see strong demand from existing airlines in Hong Kong, as well as in mainland China.”
The Male-based airline began operations in November last year and currently serves five destinations, including Dubai in the Middle East, Munich in Germany, Zurich in Switzerland and Milan in Italy.
The airline hopes to start direct flights to Hong Kong next year, a flight time of about six and a half hours, subject to securing aircraft and government approval.
Taskira added that the company aims to add three to five mainland China destinations next year depending on the delivery of new aircraft and progress of a bilateral agreement with Beijing.
“We are pleased with this development and want to be part of an organization that contributes to the success of both our countries,” he said.
Biondo currently operates two aircraft: an Airbus A319 that seats just 44 passengers, while other airlines have equipped the same aircraft with 150 economy class seats, and a larger Airbus A321 that seats 68 passengers instead of the standard 220.
The airline has not released fare details between Hong Kong and Male, but Taskira promised to run promotional campaigns to attract passengers from Hong Kong and to make fares competitive.
“We are confident that we can offer attractive prices to the people of Hong Kong. We want to create affordable products and create an opportunity for everyone to enjoy our services,” he said.
Veondo CEO Tero Taskira plans to carve out a niche in the luxury leisure travel market to appeal to affluent passengers looking for an exclusive vacation experience. Photo: Handout
Anticipating strong demand from Hong Kong, Taskira plans to carve out a niche in the luxury leisure travel market to appeal to affluent passengers looking for an exclusive vacation experience.
“We are focused on luxury leisure travelers so we’re not targeting business people. We want to be an experience provider targeting that market,” he said.
“We’re targeting people who are looking for an exclusive holiday leisure experience. They want to feel really pampered, so we’re targeting that market, but obviously it’s a niche market.
“Hong Kong is a source of wealth and people are used to travelling a lot so they are looking for those destinations. The Maldives is clearly one of the underserved markets given its beauty.”
The airline’s premium in-flight service includes aircraft cabins with two rows of seats designed and manufactured in Italy, equipped with Apple iPad Pros and wireless headsets instead of the usual screens, and seats with carbon fiber shells provided by Ferrari.
The airline also offers chauffeured airport transfers to its passengers.
Beyond is based in the Maldives and targets affluent vacationers heading to the Indian Ocean archipelago of 1,192 islands. Photo: Getty Images
Taskira noted that luxury leisure travel is on the rise, creating ample opportunity for Beyond Airlines to grow and prosper. The airline aims to have a fleet of 32 aircraft by the end of 2030.
“Even before COVID-19, luxury leisure travel was the fastest growing market segment in the world, and that growth has continued post-COVID-19, with premium cabins filling up with people looking for luxury travel,” he said.
Taskira said many prominent hoteliers have also indicated that luxury travel demand is growing significantly and will be the most sustainable sector for the coming years.
“And we’re here to provide a bridge for people to get from their homes to resorts and hotels around the world,” he said.
The new airline is jointly owned by Maldives-based trading company SIMDI Group and UAE start-up airline Arabesque, and has ambitions to fly to 52 destinations within five years.
