Manama, Bahrain: beOnd, a premium leisure airline, has taken a significant step toward expanding its global footprint with a plan to establish an airline base in the Kingdom of Bahrain, following the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA).
The agreement, formalised on 16 February 2026, will see beOnd explore the launch of a Bahrain-based airline and pursue a Bahraini Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Once operational, the airline intends to support Bahrain’s ambition to strengthen its status as a regional aviation hub, diversify its economy, and enhance international connectivity.
According to official projections from beOnd, the venture could generate more than 1,200 direct high-skilled jobs spanning pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff. In addition, the initiative is expected to support over 6,000 indirect roles in related sectors such as tourism, hospitality and logistics. Over the first five years of operations, beOnd forecasts a contribution of $1.2–$1.5 billion to Bahrain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The airline has also outlined plans to establish structured training programmes for aviation professionals, including simulator and maintenance facilities. These initiatives aim to position Bahrain as a centre of excellence for advanced aviation skills.
Under the agreement, beOnd intends to base up to 10 aircraft in Bahrain by 2030, serving both leisure and business markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The Bahrain base will be part of a broader network alongside the airline’s core operations in the Maldives and proposed subsidiaries in other regions.
Established in late 2023, beOnd operates as a luxury leisure carrier with a fleet of narrow-body aircraft configured exclusively with premium cabins. The airline has grown its network from its Maldives hub to destinations including Dubai, Riyadh, Zurich, Munich and Milan.
The expansion into Bahrain is part of beOnd’s multi-jurisdictional growth strategy, which also includes ongoing efforts to secure AOCs and operating rights in other markets. In late 2025, the airline began the process to launch a subsidiary in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The planned airline aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which prioritises economic diversification, private-sector growth and the development of specialised talent. The move underscores Bahrain’s commitment to expanding its aviation sector and increasing its global connectivity footprint.
