What's Happening?
Maldives-based premium leisure airline, Beond, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Bahrain's civil aviation regulator to explore the establishment of a Bahrain-based air operator certificate (AOC). This agreement sets a framework for long-term collaboration in airline operations, workforce development, maintenance, and innovation. Beond's CEO, Tero Taskila, emphasized the strategic importance of Bahrain's aviation legacy and its role as a regional center of excellence. The airline plans to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, with Bahrain being a key part of its multi-jurisdictional strategy. Beond projects that within its first five years of operations in Bahrain, the initiative could contribute approximately $1.2 billion to $1.5
billion to the kingdom’s GDP. The airline also anticipates creating over 1,200 direct high-skilled jobs and supporting more than 6,000 indirect roles in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and logistics.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of a new airline base in Bahrain by Beond is significant for several reasons. Economically, it promises substantial contributions to Bahrain's GDP, potentially boosting the local economy by up to $1.5 billion. The creation of high-skilled jobs and support for thousands of indirect roles could significantly impact the employment landscape, enhancing workforce skills and reducing unemployment. Strategically, this move positions Bahrain as a hub for advanced aviation skills, potentially attracting further investment and innovation in the aviation sector. For Beond, this expansion aligns with its broader strategy to grow its presence in the Middle East and enter new markets, including the U.S. and India, thereby increasing its global footprint.
What's Next?
Beond plans to develop structured training programs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff as part of its expansion in Bahrain. The proposal includes the potential establishment of simulators and maintenance facilities, which would further solidify Bahrain's position as a center for aviation excellence. Additionally, Beond is seeking further funding to accelerate its expansion, with plans to operate 56 aircraft across several different AOCs. The airline's focus on innovation and workforce development could lead to further collaborations and partnerships within the aviation industry, potentially influencing regional aviation policies and practices.
