The new aviation venture is projected to inject up to $1.5 billion into the kingdom’s economy as part of its Economic Vision 2030.
Manama, Bahrain – Bahrain is set to welcome a new premium leisure airline, beOnd, following a landmark agreement signed with the government on Monday. The initiative promises to create 1,200 direct jobs and significantly bolster the national economy over the next five years.
The agreement will see beOnd establish a full-fledged airline operating under a Bahraini Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The carrier plans to base a fleet of up to 10 aircraft in the kingdom by 2030, connecting Bahrain with key leisure and business markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
According to the preliminary projections, the airline’s operations are expected to contribute an estimated $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion to Bahrain’s GDP within its first five years. Beyond the 1,200 direct high-skilled aviation roles, the project is anticipated to support more than 6,000 indirect jobs in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and logistics.
A Strategic Fit for Vision 2030
The launch aligns directly with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, focusing on economic diversification and private-sector growth. A key component of the project involves establishing a Centre of Excellence in the kingdom. This hub will offer structured training programmes for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, and will feature advanced simulation and maintenance facilities. This move aims to position Bahrain as a regional nucleus for specialised aviation talent.
“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.”
The airline also plans to integrate artificial intelligence across its operations, including maintenance, revenue management, distribution, and passenger experience, signaling a tech-forward approach to luxury travel.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, welcomed the development. “We look forward to having beOnd aircraft with a Bahraini AOC. It’s a pleasure to have beOnd as part of the aviation ecosystem and the Kingdom of Bahrain,” he stated.
Expanding Footprint in the Gulf
The move into Bahrain comes on the heels of beOnd’s recent announcement in December 2025 regarding its intent to launch operations and secure an AOC in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The dual expansions highlight the company’s strategy to build a multi-jurisdictional presence in the rapidly growing Gulf aviation market, which is seeing a surge in demand for luxury travel options catering to high-net-worth individuals and affluent families.
United Arab Emirates Dirham Exchange Rate
