Japanese carrier Star Flyer has signed a firm order for two Airbus A320 aircraft.

The aircraft, to be powered by CFM56-5B4/P engines, will be delivered from 2014 onwards, says an Airbus Japan spokesman.

Star Flyer will use the aircraft to increase flight frequencies and begin new routes in Japan and to South Korea, says Airbus.

The airline currently operates five leased A320s and is awaiting the delivery of four more. The order is its first aircraft purchase.

Its new A320s will be configured with 144 to 150 seats in a single-class layout, says Airbus.

"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," says Star Flyer's president and CEO Shinichi Yonehara.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news