Star Flyer Set to Expand into Korean Market

Japanese carrier Star Flyer is set to launch its first international flights after placing its first ever firm order with a manufacturer for new aircraft. It currently operates five leased Airbus A320s, with four more to be delivered, but has placed a firm contract with the European manufacturer for two additional jets. These will be configured with 144- to 150-seats and will be powered by CFM56-5B4/P engines.

“The Airbus aircraft have played a key role in our success, offering excellent cost efficiency combined with an outstanding operational reliability,” said Shinichi Yonehara, President and Chief Executive Officer, Star Flyer, when confirming the order. “Its comfortable cabin furnished with leather seats and a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system is highly appreciated by our passengers.”

The HUB reported last month that the airline is to launch a five times daily Tokyo Haneda – Fukuoka service from July 1; only its third route. It will compete with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL) and Skymark Airlines between the cities, together operating more than 350 weekly flights and providing almost 100,000 weekly seats. StarFlyer currently offers a four times daily schedule between Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Kansai and up to 14 flights per day on the Tokyo Haneda – Kitakyushu route, but according to Airbus will use these new aircraft “to increase frequencies and to open new routes in Japan and to Korea”.