Bangkok--18 Jul--Total Quality PR Etihad Airways, The National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, which operates highly popular twice daily flights from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi and onwards to 44 destinations around the globe, signed the terms of a USD180 million agreement for a Sale and Leaseback facility that will be used to finance the airline’s acquisition of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The aircraft have been received by Etihad and are in service. ADCB, as a Sole Arranger, will provide financing of USD180 million to the airline. The facility is structured as a lease with repayment spread over 12 years and a terminal balloon payment of 30 percent upon final maturity. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “This agreement is indicative of the strong relationship between Etihad Airways and ADCB. We appreciate the support of like-minded business partners who continue to underpin the development of the UAE’s national airline.” The Etihad fleet presently comprises 26 aircraft and will grow to 31 by the end of the year, with the airline taking delivery of two Airbus A330-200 and three Airbus A340-600 aircraft. Etihad announced last month a further order for 12 new aircraft at the Paris air show. The airline will take delivery of four A340-600s, five A330 passenger aircraft and three A330 freighters between 2008 and 2011 to bring its fleet complement to 43 aircraft. The USD180 million facility is one of several financing deals. Etihad has concluded the tender for the provision of a USD500 million facility to finance four A340-600s and will announce the outcome after details are finalized. The financing from all the Etihad deals, when they are concluded, will amount to nearly USD1.3 billion. Eirvin Knox, Chief Executive Officer of ADCB, said: “This deal represents another important and significant milestone in our extremely special relationship with Etihad Airways. ADCB has a long-term commitment to supporting crucial Abu Dhabi enterprises, and Etihad stands at the forefront of such exciting ventures and initiatives. We look forward to supporting Etihad in the future as one of its key relationship banks.”About Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to 44 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.About ADCB: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank — ADCB is a diversified full service bank. Other than banking services that span corporate, retail and commercial banking ADCB is active in the areas of treasury derivatives, infrastructure finance, private banking and wealth management. Since 1985, ADCB has reported successive years of record profits and consistent growth. Our approach is driven by the ability to create value for our customers by leveraging our skills and expertise. Amongst UAE banks, ADCB has the second largest deposit base with total assets as at 31/03/2007 of USD23.9 billion and net profit for the first quarter of 2007 at USD128 million. Our strong franchise, supported by a network of 40 branches in UAE and 2 branches in India is reflected in our recent rating of Aa3, which is the highest awarded to a bank in the Middle East. The Government of Abu Dhabi, through Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), holds 65% of the capital while the rest is held by various UAE Institutions and Nationals. ADCB’s market capitalization as of 31/12/2006 was USD6.2 Billion. For more information, please visit us on www.adcb.com If you’d like more information about this topic, please contact: Etihad Airways: Corporate Communications Tel: 02 253 0099 or visit www.etihadairways.com For more information please contact: Tom Van Blarcom / Ruthaiwan Tanwongwan Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd Tel.: 02 260 5820 Fax: 02 260 5847 — 8 E-mail: [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net