Beond and Air Cairo plan all-business flights from Egypt

Beond Airlines, the all-business class carrier, and Egypt's all-economy airline Air Cairo have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch Beond-branded, all-business class flights connecting Egypt with Europe and the Gulf region in summer 2027, One Mile at a Time reports.

What has been announced

According to One Mile at a Time, Air Cairo would operate the flights in all-business class configurations under the Beond brand. The service is aimed at inbound tourism, so that travellers arrive at Egypt's coast, history and cities rested. Routes and schedules are due to be announced in the coming months, and bookings are expected to open in the first half of 2027.

Beond chief executive Tero Taskila is quoted as saying that Egypt has remarkable places and many travellers who want to reach them in comfort, and that Air Cairo knows the market better than anyone. Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, is quoted as saying that encouraging the partnership is part of the ministry's strategy to broaden the country's tourism products and experiences.

The agreement is only an MOU. No routes, aircraft numbers or fares have been published.

Why there is scepticism

One Mile at a Time takes a markedly critical view. It notes that Air Cairo currently operates only all-economy aircraft, and argues that Egypt is generally a budget rather than premium holiday destination.

The outlet also points to Beond's track record. When it launched in 2023, management claimed 32 aircraft and 60 destinations within five years, by 2028. According to the report, the airline still has two aircraft and no additional firm orders, as far as the author knows. It says an April 2025 plan to add 18 destinations through 2025 and into 2026 did not materialise as described, that the airline has repeatedly suspended operations, and that it once postponed staff payments. It also says a planned US subsidiary with New Pacific Airlines fell through after that carrier liquidated a couple of weeks after the announcement.

Beond was originally created to serve the Maldives and is now focusing on the Red Sea, with most routes serving both. The author speculates that the airline may be chasing government subsidies or service guarantees, or that announcements are aimed at investors; this is opinion rather than confirmed fact. The author adds that, having flown Beond, he found the onboard experience lovely, though without Wi-Fi and with a refuelling stop because of the aircraft's limited range.

The piece also jokes that Beond might next partner with Ryanair for all-business flights between Leeds and Agadir; this is a quip, not a reported plan.

What this means for travellers

Nothing can be booked yet. Bookings are expected to open in the first half of 2027, according to the announcement as reported.
Routes, schedules, fares and the European and Gulf cities involved have not been named.
As the plan is an MOU, it is not yet clear whether it will go ahead as described. Travellers planning summer 2027 trips should not rely on it.
Given Beond's history of suspensions, anyone booking once sales open may wish to check refund and rebooking terms carefully.

It is not yet known how many aircraft would be used or how the product would be priced.

Sources: One Mile at a Time