Evaluation: Beond Airways Enterprise Class Airbus A319 (MXP-DWC-MLE)

Throughout a current journey to Europe, I made a decision to journey again dwelling the great distance, by first flying to the Maldives (after which straight turning round there, as one does). 😉 Why? Properly, I couldn’t resist the chance to fly Beond Airways, the all-business class airline startup that flies between the Maldives and locations in Europe and the Center East.

Personally I discover Beond’s enterprise mannequin to be weird, and I query the long run viability of the airline. That being stated, I’ve to confess that the precise flight was fairly superior. The crew was tremendous pleasant, the meals was glorious, and there have been solely eight different individuals on the flight, so it actually felt like being on a personal jet.

Nevertheless, there are two main downsides to the expertise, as I see it. For one, Beond doesn’t supply Wi-Fi, which is sort of irritating for a premium airline. The leisure isn’t nice both Moreover, the refueling cease in Dubai is a ache, because it minimizes the flexibility to get relaxation. Anyway, let’s get into the assessment…

How I booked my Beond Airways enterprise class ticket

Beond Airways doesn’t presently have any partnerships, so the one solution to fly the airline is to pay money on your ticket. Whereas in Europe throughout a visit in July, I knew that Beond Airways was about to launch flights to Milan, and fares have been fairly enticing.

So I managed to guide a one-way enterprise class ticket from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Male Velana Airport (MLE) for $1,242. Particularly, I booked the next flight:

7/06 B481 Milan to Male departing 11:10PM arriving 1:15PM (+1 day)

Whereas the complete journey was blocked at 10hr5min, Beond has a refueling cease at Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) on this route. The best way it’s scheduled, the airplane is meant to be on the bottom there from 7AM till 8:35AM, and that roughly splits the journey in half (with the primary sector being a bit longer than the second sector).

For what it’s value, I booked the most affordable fare bundle supplied by Beond, referred to as “Delight.” This doesn’t embody lounge entry or chauffeur service, however I didn’t worth both of these for my itinerary — I used to be flying into Milan Malpensa Airport anyway, and I knew that Beond simply used a Precedence Move lounge on the airport.

Whereas trying on the seat map for my flight, I couldn’t assist however surprise if the flight would really function, given how empty it regarded. I booked simply days earlier than departure, and solely 4 seats confirmed as taken on the seat map.

Beond Airways enterprise class check-in, lounge, & boarding

Beond Airways struggles with operational reliability. On the plus facet, my flight did function. Nevertheless, it was delayed a bit, and after I arrived on the airport, I noticed that an 80-minute delay had been posted.

I proceeded to the Beond check-in counter, which was staffed with three brokers. That’s lots of people to check-in so few passengers!

I used to be rapidly issued a boarding move for the flight, after which headed by means of safety and immigration, which was pretty environment friendly. I then visited the Sala Montale Lounge, which I’ve reviewed earlier than.

My Beond flight was departing from gate B55, only a quick stroll from the lounge. The Beond jet arrived on the gate at round 11:30PM. Greatest I may inform, there have been zero passengers on the inbound flight, so the turnaround was environment friendly. The crew was onboard fairly rapidly, after which the airplane was serviced for departure.

Boarding ended up beginning at 12:15AM. As you’d anticipate, a serious benefit of flying on an all-business class airline is that the boarding course of is a dream. As good as it’s to fly an Emirates A380, it’s additionally good to board a jet with solely 4 different {couples}.

Beond Airways A319 enterprise class cabin & seats

Beond Airways presently has a single jet, which is an Airbus A319 with the license plate 8Q-FBA. This can be a 21-year-old jet that originally flew for EasyJet, however you wouldn’t understand it based mostly on trying on the interiors. Beond’s A319 is configured with simply 44 enterprise class seats, unfold throughout 11 rows, in a 2-2 configuration.

The cabin merely seems to be attractive. Seats are designed by Optimares, and these are completely different than the cabins you’ll discover in enterprise class on just about any airline these days (they’re much like cabins on the 4 Seasons Personal Jet, although).

Within the very again of the airplane, you’ll see a row of ordinary economic system seats, that are for the crew, however in any other case, you’ll simply discover enterprise class seats within the cabin.

Excluding row one and row 5, all Beond enterprise class seats are the identical. The seats are 20″ huge and have 50″ of pitch. The best way the airline saves area with this configuration is by basically putting the ottoman to the facet of the seat in entrance. This leaves fairly a small area on your toes when in mattress mode (extra on that in a bit).

Then in row one and row 5, you’ll discover the service’s ottoman seats, that are little doubt the very best seats on the airplane. Relatively than solely having a small ottoman to the facet of the seat, you as an alternative have a bigger ottoman that offers you tons extra space. I’d extremely advocate selecting row 5 over row one, since row one has fairly a bit of sunshine and galley noise.

Whereas assigning these seats prices an additional $100 per passenger upfront, at check-in they assigned me seat 5F, the ottoman window seat on the correct facet. So I used to be completely satisfied to be in one in every of these seats.

Aviation geeks will discover the double door plugs on the overwing exit on this A319. This isn’t commonplace for the A319, however moderately it’s as a result of the plane used to fly for EasyJet, and attributable to EasyJet’s dense configuration, a second set of exits was required.

In addition to the legroom, the ottoman seats and non-ottoman seats are mainly an identical, so let’s go over the small print. The seats are in a stupendous cream colour, and I like the seat stitching, which has a singular sample.

On the middle console between seats, you’ll discover lots of the seat’s options.

For one, you’ll discover the seat controls, which have two pre-set choices, or you possibly can customise particular elements of the seat.

Beond doesn’t have private televisions put in, however as an alternative you’re given tablets to make use of onboard. There are little pill holders that stretch from the middle console, in order that it nearly looks like there’s built-in inflight leisure.

The tray desk additionally extends from the middle console, and is a strong desk that’s straightforward to make use of.

Every seat additionally has an AC energy outlet, plus a USB-C outlet, for straightforward charging.

Whereas the seats are stunning, each the overhead consoles (which had particular person air nozzles) and overhead bins clearly hadn’t been up to date for the reason that earlier proprietor, and felt a bit outdated.

Beond Airways enterprise class facilities

There have been fairly a number of facilities ready at my seat upon boarding…

There was a pillow and blanket at every seat. The blanket was tender and comfy, and jogged my memory of the one supplied in Qatar Airways enterprise class. I additionally favored the pillow, and since there have been dozens of empty seats, I may seize a few additional pillows for added consolation.

Beond provides its passengers an amenity package, which is kind of primary. The package is oval formed, so nearly seems to be like a case for headphones, or one thing. The package contained eyeshades, earplugs, a dental package, pillow mist, face mist, hand sanitizer, and physique lotion. Not that it’s an enormous deal, however for a luxurious, leisure airline, I’m shocked by the dearth of a partnership with a serious model for these kits.

There have been additionally a pair of slippers, which is an amenity I very a lot respect, because it makes it straightforward to go to the bathroom with out placing on sneakers.

There have been additionally a pair of fairly top quality headphones, plus the leisure pill, which might be used after takeoff.

A second after settling in, pre-departure drinks have been served, with the selection of orange juice or apple juice. I used to be shocked that alcohol wasn’t supplied, however I suppose alcohol can’t be served on the bottom at Male Airport, so the airline extends that to different locations as effectively. Fortuitously there’s a full bar after takeoff. Heat towels have been additionally distributed.

Subsequent up, the menu and wine listing have been distributed for the complete journey. On this flight, dinner could be served on the primary sector, after which breakfast could be served on the second sector.

Beond Airways enterprise class leisure

The leisure state of affairs on Beond Airways is disappointing, plain and easy. Beond doesn’t supply Wi-Fi. I think it is a value saving measure, or as a result of the airline needed to get the plane into service as quickly as potential. These days Wi-Fi has grow to be commonplace on most airways, so it’s disappointing to not even get this on a premium airline like Beond.

Leisure is as an alternative supplied on tablets, which have been distributed to every passenger. This isn’t essentially the best to make use of system on the market. The pill doesn’t even have a downloaded choice of motion pictures, however moderately it connects to the streaming service, after which you possibly can browse the choice. If you happen to desire, you can as an alternative use your individual laptop computer or pill to hook up with the leisure.

Whereas the leisure system indicated that there was a shifting map function, I didn’t really discover that to be usable. Anyway, there was a small choice of motion pictures and TV exhibits, but it surely was under no circumstances a powerful library. I’d advocate bringing your individual leisure.

I even have to notice that it appears to me like this leisure system isn’t very best for the kind of clients the airline goes after. Everybody else on my flight was on the older facet, and severely struggled with determining find out how to use the system. Like, connecting to Wi-Fi, pairing headphones, and so on., is difficult for some, so the crew had to offer plenty of assist with that.

Beond Airways enterprise class crew & service

Often I discuss service on the finish of my critiques, however on this case I needed to do it towards the start, because it’s each one thing that me lots, and it’s vital context on the service’s enterprise mannequin.

At present all of Beond’s crews are based mostly in Dubai, which is the place the airline has its technical stops. So I had hoped that ultimately Beond would supply nonstop flights to the Maldives as soon as it has longer vary planes, however that doesn’t appear to be the case.

On this flight, there was one crew on the 5hr50min flight from Milan to Dubai, then there was a crew change, after which a second crew took us on the 4hr20min flight to the Maldives. The variety of crew members working this journey outnumbered passengers.

There have been an astonishing 5 flight attendants on the primary sector, and 4 flight attendants on the second sector, plus two pilots on every flight. In order that’s a complete of 13 crew members for 9 passengers. And that doesn’t account for the same variety of crew members working the flight within the different course, which gave the impression to be empty.

Whereas I respect the way it’s in all probability simply way more sensible to base crews in Dubai than Male (in addition to, the airline would in all probability have a tough time attracting expertise to dwell in Male), the entire thing appears very inefficient.

Now, what pleasantly shocked me was the standard of the service. All crew members had in depth airline expertise, nearly totally with full service airways. The flight attendants have been from everywhere, starting from Myanmar, to Egypt, to Italy, to Spain. For instance, a number of of the crew members I spoke with beforehand labored for Qatar Airways.

On stability, the service exceeded my expectations, and I discovered the crews to be pretty. Now, they weren’t essentially uniformly essentially the most polished (there was no addressing by title, and generally empty glasses may’ve been cleared quicker), however they have been nonetheless excellent. After all it’s vital to emphasise that this flight was fairly empty, so I’m curious what service could be like on a full flight.

Beond Airways A319 departure from Milan

The great thing about flying on an all-business class airways is how fast boarding is. Actually a minute after boarding began, the cabin supervisor introduced that boarding was full. I like how Beond crews begin their bulletins — “collectively we’ll go above and past to make your flight memorable.”

The opposite eight passengers have been all seated within the first three rows of the plane, so I had row 4 and again all to myself — what a deal with!

It nonetheless took a while to depart, on condition that the airplane was being refueled. The principle cabin door closed at 12:30AM, at which level the captain added his welcome aboard, on behalf of himself and the opposite captain (yeah, we had two captains).

He introduced our flight time of 5hr50min to Dubai. He additionally apologized for the delay, explaining that the airplane was late from Zurich the day past, which is unquestionably the draw back of an airline with only one airplane.

Apparently there was a pilot sitting within the cabin in uniform as effectively, however finest I may inform, he by no means really went to the cockpit. So it appears he wasn’t a aid pilot, however possibly he was commuting, or one thing?

At 12:50AM we lastly started our pushback, at which level the crew carried out the handbook security demonstration. We began our taxi at 12:55AM, and at 1:10AM we have been cleared for takeoff. We had some fairly tough chop on our preliminary climb out, however the journey rapidly smoothed out, at which level the seatbelt signal was turned off.

Beond Airways enterprise class dinner

On the 5hr50min in a single day flight to Dubai, dinner was served shortly after takeoff. You could find the dinner menu under.

You could find the drink listing under.

The crew was fast to serve the primary spherical of drinks after takeoff, as this occurred inside quarter-hour of being airborne. I ordered a glass of champagne — Beond serves Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut, which is respectable. This was served with a ramekin of combined nuts.

Round 25 minutes after takeoff, desk settings have been introduced out, and some minutes after that, the appetizer was served. There have been two selections, and I chosen the burrata with marinated avocado and oven dried tomatoes. Big kudos to Beond for its presentation, because it’s about pretty much as good because it will get in enterprise class.

Not solely is every passenger introduced their very own bread basket and there aren’t any trays used, however the precise plating is phenomenal as effectively.

About 45 minutes after takeoff the principle course was served. There have been 4 primary course selections, and I selected the sluggish cooked cod with risotto cake, grilled greens, and velouté. As soon as once more, this was glorious, by way of each style and presentation. With the principle course, I had a glass of the Italian purple wine.

Final however not least, dessert was served round 60 minutes after takeoff. I ordered the almond and mascarpone slice, which was phenomenal. Yum, yum, yum.

All-in-all, I assumed it was an excellent meal, among the many finest I’ve had in enterprise class. On the conclusion of the service, I used to be requested if I needed my mattress made, which I agreed to, as I used to be able to get some sleep.

Beond Airways A319 enterprise class bathrooms

Beond Airways has two bathrooms on its A319, with one being on the entrance of the cabin, and the opposite being within the rear of the cabin. I’ve gotta say, the bathrooms have been undoubtedly a weak level of the expertise.

Not solely have been they outdated and never luxurious, however they didn’t even have any elevated facilities. You’d assume the airline may at the least put some good toiletries within the toilet. On the plus facet, at the least the bathrooms have been effectively clear. Then once more, which may’ve been as a result of I used to be the one passenger utilizing the rear toilet.

Beond Airways enterprise class mattress

Upon returning to my seat, I discovered the mattress to be properly made, and instantly acquired cozy. Look, I’ve gotta say, Beond undoubtedly doesn’t have essentially the most comfy beds. The seat is pretty slender, and on prime of that, I needed to bend my knees, because the seat additionally isn’t that lengthy. Nevertheless, I did like that that there wasn’t some small footwell I needed to squeeze my toes into in these ottoman seats.

That is going to sound actually random, however I additionally discovered it weird how shiny the seat management lights have been. If you happen to’re reclined and going through within the course of the middle console, the lights are nearly blindingly shiny. I want there have been an choice to dim these, or for them to solely illuminate as soon as touched.

Whereas we’re talking of the beds, on the second sector (from Dubai to Male) I made a decision to strive one of many non-ottoman seats, which have a bit much less room on your legs. This requires you to ideally sleep in a sure course, and you need to bend your knees much more. I discovered the seat to be extra comfy than I used to be anticipating, but it surely’s clearly not precisely trade main by way of spaciousness.

There are extra comfy and personal enterprise class seats on the market. Nevertheless, this airline is particularly supposed for leisure vacationers, and most of the people will probably be touring as pairs. I wouldn’t be delighted if I have been on a full flight on this configuration subsequent to a stranger, however when you haven’t any one round you for rows, it’s not so dangerous. 😉

Beond Airways refueling cease in Dubai

I managed to get almost 4 hours of sleep, at which level I seen that the airplane began descending. At round 8:30AM Dubai time, the captain was on the PA to announce that we’d be touchdown in about 25 minutes. At this level the crew distributed heat towels, and ready the cabin for arrival.

Since row 5 is instantly over the wing, I made a decision to maneuver to row eight for touchdown, so I’d have a greater view on strategy. I don’t usually sit behind the wing, however I actually cherished the view from there. These have been essentially the most spectacular views I’ve ever had on strategy to the UAE, bar none. It was additionally my first time flying to Dubai World Central.

As we approached Dubai over the Persian Gulf, we had a panoramic view of The World (principally deserted), The Palm Jumeirah, and the Burj Al Arab.

We even then entered a little bit of a holding sample, to get much more of a view, together with of The Palm Jebel Ali.

Then we lastly touched down at Dubai World Central shortly after 9AM, round two hours delayed. I used to be excited to fly to Dubai World Central for the primary time, as this may ultimately grow to be Emirates’ hub.

It took us round 10 minutes to taxi to our arrival stand, the place we parked at 9:10AM. At this level there was a crew swap, the jet was refueled, the plane was catered, and so on. Passengers can keep aboard throughout the complete course of.

Dubai World Central is presently primarily a cargo hub and a parking zone for Emirates. Nevertheless, there are additionally a restricted variety of scheduled and constitution flights right here, lots of which appear to be from Russia.

At 9:55AM, 45 minutes after arriving on the stand, the refueling cease was accomplished. It was a pleasant contact how all of the departing crew bid farewell to passengers, and the brand new crew launched themselves to every passenger. The flight attendant working my part was a pleasant Egyptian man who was really working his first flight, and he did an exceptional job.

At this level pre-departure drinks have been served, with the selection of mango, cucumber spinach, or beetroot juice. What a enjoyable choice! I selected the cucumber spinach juice, which was refreshing. Our “new” captain additionally added his welcome onboard, informing us of our flight time of 4hr20min, and telling us we needs to be departing shortly, upon the completion of some paperwork.

At 10:05AM we started our pushback, 5 minutes later we started our taxi, after which at 10:20AM we have been cleared for takeoff.

Our climb out was easy, and the seatbelt signal was turned off round 5 minutes after takeoff.

Beond Airways enterprise class breakfast

On the 4hr20min daytime flight to the Maldives, breakfast was served shortly after takeoff. You could find the breakfast menu under.

The service started with a spherical of drinks. Oddly, Beond doesn’t have espresso or cappuccino onboard, however as an alternative solely has brewed espresso, so I ordered that. I discovered this to be among the many tastier airplane drip espresso on the market, at the least. It was additionally served with some cookies, plus some milk on the facet.

As I sipped on my espresso, I loved the views out the window. Ultimately we began our crossing of the Arabian Sea, as we flew off the coast of Oman.

Breakfast was served at a leisurely tempo, and my desk was set round an hour after takeoff. There have been two selections for the starter, and I chosen the watermelon salad with za’atar halloumi. This dish was completely pleasant, and possibly the very best (kind of) “salad” I’ve had on any flight.

Of the 4 primary course choices, I chosen the North African mesfouf, with cinnamon spiced couscous, baked eggplant, and poached peaches. As soon as once more, yum, yum, yum, this was distinctive.

Lastly, for dessert I used to be served the lemon chiboust, combined berries, which was a lightweight and refreshing end to the meal.

It’s not usually you see a correct three course meal for breakfast, so I’d say this may simply be the very best breakfast I’ve ever had on a airplane.

Beond Airways A319 arrival in Male

After breakfast, I spent a few hours simply kind of having fun with the view out the window, snoozing, and customarily raw-dogging (I feel that’s what we name it these days?), given the dearth of Wi-Fi, plus the dearth of high quality inflight leisure. Earlier than I knew it, we have been approaching the Maldives.

I knew it could nonetheless be a really lengthy day for me, so I requested for a cup of espresso to-go, in order that I may get pleasure from it all through the descent.

For the descent, I made a decision to maneuver to seat 7A, so I may benefit from the view out the left facet of the airplane. We began our descent at 3:20PM, and as standard within the Maldives, the views have been unbelievable.

We had a steep descent, and touched down in Male at 3:40PM, after which had a brief taxi to our arrival stand.

I used to be excited to see the brand new terminal at Male Airport, as clearly fairly a little bit of progress has been made since my final go to, so hopefully it really opens quickly.

We ended up arriving at our stand at 3:45PM, 2.5 hours delayed. Fortuitously I had a protracted layover in Male, in order that delay solely made my keep extra nice. Nevertheless, I’d be lots much less completely satisfied in regards to the delay if I used to be really visiting an island.

I used to be excited to deplane the jet, so I may see Beond’s attractive livery — what a magnificence!

We have been despatched on a bus to immigration, after which I turned proper round and flew Qatar Airways to Doha…

Backside line

I’m actually completely satisfied I had the possibility to fly Beond Airways, as this airline startup has intrigued me since earlier than it launched.

The precise inflight expertise exceeded my expectations, with scrumptious meals, a swanky cabin, and pleasant service. Moreover, flying in a jet with so few seats is superior, and it’s even cooler when the airplane is sort of empty.

Now, the Beond expertise isn’t good. There’s no Wi-Fi, the leisure tablets are form of not very best, and worst of all, the Dubai refueling cease limits the quantity of relaxation you will get on a flight. Moreover, there are main dangers to flying on an airline with only one jet, as a result of operational reliability is a problem. This flight was 2.5 hours late, just because the jet appears to ceaselessly run late with the sequences it’s scheduled for, and it may be powerful to “catch up.”

Personally, I nonetheless don’t assume Beond’s present enterprise mannequin is sensible, by no means thoughts the large progress aspirations the airline has, of working dozens of planes. However nonetheless, I like the passenger expertise, and with the above caveats out of the best way (significantly round operational reliability), I’d advocate the airline if the worth is correct.

What’s your tackle Beond Airways enterprise class?