Bahrain to Create 1,200 Jobs as beOnd Unveils Plans for New Premium Airline

A major boost to the Gulf’s aviation and employment sectors is on the horizon as beOnd signs a strategic agreement to establish a premium airline in Bahrain. The initiative is expected to generate more than 1,200 direct high-skilled jobs while contributing up to $1.5 billion to the Kingdom’s economy over its first five years of operations.

The planned Bahrain-based carrier will operate as a premium leisure airline, connecting key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. With plans to base up to 10 aircraft in Bahrain by 2030, the airline aims to serve both affluent leisure travelers and business passengers seeking elevated travel experiences.

Beyond direct employment, the airline is projected to support over 6,000 indirect jobs across tourism, hospitality, logistics, and related industries. The development aligns closely with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, focusing on economic diversification, private-sector growth, and job creation for both nationals and expatriates.

As part of its long-term strategy, beOnd intends to establish advanced aviation training programs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground personnel. The company also plans to build simulator facilities and maintenance capabilities, positioning Bahrain as a regional hub for aviation excellence. Artificial intelligence will play a key role across operations, revenue management, maintenance systems, and passenger services.

The premium aviation segment continues to see strong growth across the Gulf region, fueled by increasing demand from high-net-worth travelers and expanding tourism markets. In line with its broader regional ambitions, beOnd previously announced plans to pursue an Air Operator Certificate in Saudi Arabia, signaling a multi-jurisdictional expansion strategy.

With this announcement, Bahrain strengthens its position within the competitive GCC aviation landscape, reinforcing its ambitions to become a leading center for premium air travel, innovation, and skilled workforce development.