Cyprus Airways is to lease two Airbus A320s to boost its route network operations, it said on Monday.

The airline which is majority state controlled signed a Letter of Intent with an Irish company for an undisclosed sum for the two aircraft over a period of six years.

"Our representatives have met with the Irish company's representatives and we hope to have the two aircraft with us by March or April in time for the peak summer season," Cyprus Airways spokesman Kyriacos Kyriacou said.

In line with the agreement Cyprus's national carrier will have the opportunity to extend the lease agreement under the same terms for a further 12 to 24 months.

Kyriacou said that the airline will be selling off its two older aircraft as part of a leasehold agreement with US company ILFC last November.

Cyprus Airways' fleet now comprises 11 Airbus aircraft with an average age of 12.5 years.