The luxury carrier pledges a $1.5 billion economic boost and establishes a Centre of Excellence, reinforcing the kingdom’s position as a regional aviation hub.
Manama, Bahrain – In a major boost to the kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, Bahrain has officially signed an agreement with premium leisure airline beOnd to launch a new carrier, promising a significant infusion of jobs and investment.
The deal, announced on Monday, will see beOnd establish a full-service airline based in Bahrain. The venture is projected to contribute between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion to the nation’s GDP over its first five years of operation and create more than 1,200 direct, high-skilled jobs. An additional 6,000 indirect roles are expected to be generated across the tourism, hospitality, and logistics sectors.
The airline plans to base and operate a fleet of up to 10 aircraft in Bahrain by 2030, connecting the Gulf nation with key leisure and business destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
A Hub for Skills and Innovation
Central to the agreement is the establishment of a “Centre of Excellence” in Bahrain. This facility will offer structured training programs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, complete with advanced simulators and maintenance facilities. The goal is to cultivate a highly skilled local workforce and position the kingdom as a hub for advanced aviation expertise.
beOnd also plans to integrate artificial intelligence across its operations, including maintenance, revenue management, and passenger experience, signaling a tech-driven approach to luxury travel.
Strengthening Bahrain’s Economic Vision
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, supporting job creation for both nationals and foreign workers, fostering private-sector growth, and diversifying the economy away from hydrocarbons.
“Establishing a Bahrain-based airline is a natural next step in our multi-jurisdictional strategy,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of beOnd. “Together, we have the opportunity to build a premium aviation platform that strengthens connectivity, develops specialised talent, and supports innovation across the travel value chain.”
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, welcomed the move. “We look forward to having beOnd aircraft with a Bahraini AOC [Air Operator Certificate]. It’s a pleasure to have beOnd as part of the aviation ecosystem and the Kingdom of Bahrain,” he said.
Regional Expansion Plans
The Bahrain launch is part of a broader regional expansion for beOnd. In December 2025, the airline announced it had initiated the process to secure an AOC in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscoring the rapid growth of luxury aviation in the Gulf region catering to high-net-worth individuals and affluent families.
