Beond, Bahrain Agree On Framework To Establish Bahrain-Based Airline

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).

The LOI creates a framework for long-term collaboration in airline operations, workforce development, maintenance and innovation.

This follows Tero Taskila, CEO of Beond, telling Aviation Week in January that the airline’s focus is not only to grow in the Maldives, but also expand its product in different parts of the world.

“Bahrain’s aviation legacy spans nearly a century and has consistently positioned the kingdom as a regional center of excellence in the region,” Taskila said. “Establishing a Bahrain-based airline is a natural next step in our 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 estimates the creation of more than 1,200 direct high-skilled jobs, alongside support for over 6,000 indirect roles across tourism, hospitality, logistics and related services.

As part of the plan, Beond intends to develop structured training programs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers and ground staff. The proposal includes the potential establishment of simulators and maintenance facilities, positioning Bahrain as a hub for advanced aviation skills.

The development follows Beond’s recent announcements detailing its multi-AOC vision, which includes new funding, expansion across the Middle East and entry into new regions such as the U.S. and India.

In January 2025, Beond reported it has raised $90 million to date and is looking for a further $100 million to accelerate its expansion to 56 aircraft operating across several different AOCs.