Etihad Airways and Oasis International Leasing have signed a letter of intent for US$1bn (Dh3.67bn) financing of eight Airbus A330-200s to be delivered between January 2006 and May 2007.

Etihad requires the new aircraft to develop its network within the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America.
Since its inaugural flight in November 2003, the airline has increased its network, adding at least one route each month. It currently flies to 16 destinations, and aims to increase that figure to 70 by 2010.
The transaction is the largest single financing arrangement concluded by Oasis Leasing.

The eight A330-200 aircraft form part of Etihad Airways’ recently announced order for up to 36 Airbus aircraft. The airline has also acquired five Boeing 777-300ERs. Etihad Airways currently operates four Airbus A330-200s one A340-300 and two Boeing 767-200s.
The A330-200 is capable of carrying up to 293 passengers in a two-class configuration. For Etihad, the aircraft will have a configuration of two and three zones Diamond, Pearl and Coral.