The two A330-200s, a type that currently forms the backbone of the Etihad fleet, are scheduled for delivery in January and March 2009 and will replace two aircraft currently leased by Etihad.

The deal means that Etihad is now CIT Aerospace's largest customer in the Middle East. It was signed between the airline's CEO, James Hogan, and C Jeffrey Knittel, President of CIT Transportation Finance.

Mr Hogan stated: "Etihad continues to grow at an impressive rate and the introduction of the two new CIT-leased A330-200s into the fleet will have a major impact because they can operate on both our long and short haul flights."

Etihad Airways currently has 12 A330-200s in its fleet and a further three will be added by the end of 2007.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline also placed an order with Airbus in June for 12 new aircraft, which included five A330 passenger aircraft.

CIT Aerospace owns or finances a fleet of more than 300 aircraft. Approximately 7% of CIT's fleet is located in the Middle East.

Mr Knittel said: "This transaction reflects increased demand for passenger air travel in the Middle East and the continued growth of Etihad Airways. Etihad is a dynamic organisation and we look forward to building our relationship with the UAE's national airline in the years ahead."

Etihad currently offers flights to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.