Beond is revolutionizing luxury air travel by introducing Apple Vision Pro headsets for passengers. As a pioneering luxury airline, Beond aims to enrich the travel experience in the Maldives with this cutting-edge technology.
Starting in July, selected passengers on Beond flights can immerse themselves in virtual reality. Through Apple Vision Pro, they will virtually explore the Maldives, engaging with movies, games, and stunning resort previews before arrival.
Founded in 2022 and based in the Maldives, Beond operates exclusive business-class flights. Currently, the airline serves three routes, excluding the United States, focusing on premium leisure travel.
Beond’s Chairman and CEO, Tero Taskila, said: “The Apple Vision Pro will transform the inflight entertainment experience, and we will be first to offer it to select passengers. In addition to our existing and ever-growing library of inflight content such as movies and games, Beond will showcase stunning resort destinations and activities in the Maldives. We are working now with partners in the Maldives to prepare truly amazing footage. The inflight experience will build anticipation for passengers before they arrive in the Maldives. Offering the Apple Vision Pro is another step in our vision of delivering a premium travel experience to our customers, from the start to finish of their journey. We’re proud to be the first airline to deploy the technology.”
However, the specifics of who qualifies for the headset trial remain vague. Given Beond’s all-business-class seating, the selection criteria for this privilege are yet to be disclosed.
The Vision Pro’s limited battery life presents a challenge, lasting only 2.5 hours on a charge. This could impact its usability on Beond’s longer flights, alongside concerns of motion sickness reported by some users.
Despite these hurdles, Beond continues to grow, having recently expanded its fleet. With plans to introduce new destinations and a pricing strategy competitive with other luxury airlines, Beond is on a path to redefine premium air travel.
The Vision Pro’s high cost and mixed reception highlight its status as a luxury item. Yet, for affluent travelers to the Maldives, the opportunity to experience this technology may be enticing.
Apple’s strategy with the Vision Pro focuses on developer adoption and eventual public affordability. This positions the device as a symbol of luxury and innovation, aligning with Beond’s mission to offer exclusive travel experiences.
