BeOnd (B4, Malé) has entered into a strategic partnership with New Pacific Airlines (7H, Anchorage Ted Stevens) to launch operations in the United States under the new BeOnd America brand, which will cover eight A320 family aircraft operated under the existing US certificate.
"New Pacific as a partner brings operational depth in the United States and strengthens our multi-jurisdictional structure," said the CEO of BeOnd, Tero Taskila.
The launch of the partnership and its network remain subject to FAA approvals. BeOnd's spokesperson confirmed to ch-aviation that New Pacific Airlines will keep its existing fleet and customer base, while adding eight incremental A320 and A321 aircraft, configured for 56 and 68 passengers, respectively.
"The initiative aims to position the US as a key pillar in BeOnd’s multi-AOC network, which includes licensed operations in the Maldives," the airline said in a joint statement.
BeOnd currently operates one A319-100 and one A321-200, both in all-business-class configuration, connecting Malé with Dubai World Central, Riyadh, and Red Sea International. It also flies on a scheduled basis from Dubai to Munich and Zurich, and from Red Sea International to Milan Malpensa (offering the sole European link for the Saudi airport).
Earlier this year, BeOnd announced that it would pursue an AOC in the United Arab Emirates to further chase growth opportunities in the Gulf. The airline aims to expand to 27 aircraft by the end of the decade.
Meanwhile, New Pacific Airlines operates three premium-configured B757-200s offered for charter in the US. It has an existing strategic partnership with Private Jet Services, a broker owned by Elevate Aviation Group and sister company of Elevate Jet. The airline also operated the recently shut-down regional carrier, Ravn Alaska.
BeOnd's announcement comes shortly after start-up Magnifica Air disclosed a plan to enter the US all-premium narrowbody charter market with VIP-configured A220-300s and A321-200NX.
