Albanian start-up carrier Star Airways is to lease a pair of Airbus A320s from US lessor International Lease Finance (ILFC).

Star Airways, which has its head office in Tirana, was set up nearly two years ago by entrepreneur Gjergj Krali.

Krali tells ATI that the airline hopes to begin services "as soon as possible", and is looking at first flights in about a month's time.

Star Airways states that it secured an air operator's certificate in June last year, and will use A320s on services to Europe from Tirana.

ILFC confirms that Star has taken leases on two A320s - serial numbers 415 and 112 - for three years. The aircraft will be delivered in April and May.

Star Airways identifies several destinations in Italy - including Rome, Milan, Venice, Turin, Bologna and Florence - as potential routes. It also indicates plans to fly to London, Istanbul, Dusseldorf and Thessaloniki.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news