East Star Airlines, China's fourth registered private airline company, signed a 12-billion-yuan (1.5 billion US dollars) agreement with Airbus and GE Commercial Aviation Service (GECAS) in Wuhan Sunday.

The deals are the largest single orders Airbus and GECAS have signed with a Chinese private airline.

Under the agreement, the Chinese company will buy and lease 20 Airbus A319s and 320s, to be delivered in the next five years.

By next May, the first three A320s will fly from Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, to cities including Shenzhen, Nanjing, Xi'an, Hangzhou and Haikou. Special flights for tourists will also be launched.

"With the fast growth of Wuhan's economy and its important location, the city's aviation service demand is expected to soar. It is especially in need of flights to neighboring provincial capital cities," said Lan Shili, president of China East Star Group, the airline's parent company.

Lan said to attract potential passengers they will offer seasonal discounts and supporting services, like free picking-ups and free snacks.

East Star Airlines, based in Wuhan, received approval for operation from the General Administration of Civil Aviation in June this year. It plans to start its flights in May next year.

Source: Xinhua