DUBAI — A new carrier billed as the world’s first ‘premium leisure all-lay flat airline’ has raised millions of dollars in its first funding round.

Known as ‘Beond’, the airline announced today the successful completion a US$17 million seed round from a group of investors. The round was oversubscribed and included angel investors and strategic partners. “This funding round marks a significant milestone for Beond,” said Beond’s Chairman and CEO, Tero Taskila.

“We are humbled and excited to have the support of such remarkable investors who share our passion for innovation and believe in our mission. The investment will empower Beond to realize its full potential and deliver on the promise of both this ground-breaking business model in the airline industry and pioneering experience for passengers. Beond will operate a premium leisure experience for customers while bringing to bear the benefits of a lightweight, low-cost operation based on the collective decades of experience of our team,” Taskila added.

The hub for this new airline experience? The Maldives, pending regulatory approval.

North America’s not on the network yet, but the airline says its plans to initiate flights “from a variety of destinations with the latest aviation and luxury travel innovations.”

Beond plans to begin operations in fall 2023, with a fleet of A320s in a unique luxury, lay-flat configuration, bringing passengers to Maldives from Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.