TORONTO — Canada Jetlines says it has a definitive lease agreement for two Airbus A320 aircraft, with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2019.

Jetlines has partnered with independent aircraft leasing company AerCap on the deal. AerCap provides aircraft to a global network of some 200 airline customers in about 80 countries.

“We are very pleased to welcome our new customer airline, Jetlines, and particularly pleased to play a role in the start up of their new operations,” said AerCap President & Chief Commercial Officer Philip Scruggs.

Jetlines’ new CEO Lukas Johnson, who officially takes up the reins June 18, said AerCap “has a proven reputation of leasing high-quality aircraft and we look forward to continuing to build a positive relationship with them.” Johnson’s appointment was announced last month.

Johnson adds: “Through my experience with Airbus, I believe that these planes are the right aircraft to commence operations with. The majority of ultra-low cost carriers worldwide operate with the Airbus A320 fleet based on its fuel-efficient narrow-body framework that supports a high-density seat configuration.”

The two committed A320s are sister aircraft, having virtually identical conformity in design, features and equipment, allowing Jetlines to expedite the necessary training and maintenance processes to commence operations at an earlier date, says Johnson. The aircraft are 12 years old.

“Our operations team has worked diligently on securing quality aircraft, carrying out a meticulous vetting process to ensure that the aircraft are fit for Jetlines and our future passengers,” said Jetlines Executive Chairman Mark Morabito.

Morabito said Jetlines is now positioned to carry out the remainder of work to complete its licensing process and continuing to advance financing initiatives, personnel recruitment and airport agreements.

Jetlines’ pre-existing purchase agreement with Boeing for the 737-MAX delivery in 2023 remains in place. Jetlines says it plans to use the Airbus planes to support its start up operations and may secure a Boeing fleet in future.

Back in March Canada Jetlines announced it was delaying its launch, originally scheduled for this month, and said it wouldn’t have a new launch date confirmed until the second quarter of 2018.