BeOnd (B4, Malé) has announced its initial fleet will comprise sixteen A321-200neo in a business-class-only configuration with seats provided by Optimares.

The boutique carrier also said it has now selected its first base but did not disclose its location. It did not respond to ch-aviation's request for clarification.

Arabesque - which is the start-up's working name - plans to operate 60 long-haul, leisure-driven routes out of its first base. The company is currently hiring and expects to employ around 400 staff by the end of 2022. It has not outlined a detailed timeline for its launch just yet. Previously, it said it was planning to lease up to 32 aircraft.

The French carrier with a similar albeit less grandiose business model, La Compagnie (B0, Paris Orly), operates two A321-200NX(LR)s, according to the ch-aviation fleets module.