Star Flyer, a Japanese fast-growing, value-based airline, today signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of two A320s. The Japanese airline currently operates five leased A320s, with four more to be delivered.
This order is the Japanese carrier very first aircraft purchase. The new aircraft will feature 144 to 150 seats in a single-class layout and are powered by CFM56-5B4/P engines. Star Flyer intends to use the new jets to increase frequencies and to open new routes in Japan and to Korea.
Star Flyer President and CEO Shinichi Yonehara said, We have been operating A320s since March 2006, when we inaugurated our service from New Kita Kyushu Airport. The Airbus aircraft have played a key role in our success, offering excellent cost efficiency combined with an outstanding operational reliability. Its comfortable cabin furnished with leather seats and a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system is highly appreciated by our passengers.
John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, said, We are very honored that Star Flyer has chosen A320s to expand their network. Within five years, the airline has established a remarkable position in the challenging Japanese market. We are pleased that the economic efficiency of our leading single-aisle Family has contributed so forcefully to their success.
The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft feature the latest technology available today, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality. With 99.7 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has also the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft today.
With close to 7,000 aircraft sold, and more than 4,600 aircraft delivered to over 330 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is today the world best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.