Leasing Company CIT Opts for More Airbus Long-range and Single-aisle Aircraft

(February 15, 2007) -- CIT Group Inc. (NYSE CIT) signed a firm contract with Airbus in December 2006 for five long range A330 widebodies, as well as ten A320 Family aircraft. The repeat order by this leading provider of commercial and consumer financing solutions underlines strong demand for the Airbus wide-body long-range aircraft A330/A340 Family, as well as the A320 Family in the international leasing market.

To date CIT has placed firm orders for a total of 142 Airbus aircraft, including 112 A320 Family aircraft, 25 A330s and five A350s. Of these, 73 have been delivered so far.

"With their broad market acceptance, the A330 and A320 continue to perform exceptionally well for our clients around the world," said C. Jeffrey Knittel, President of CIT Aerospace. "We appreciate Airbus' efforts in structuring a deal that brings the benefits of these leading technology aircraft to both CIT's customers and its shareholders."

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers said: "It's always a re-affirmation of our product line when we receive repeat orders. We are delighted that an important leasing company such as CIT has again demonstrated its confidence in our products, both the winning A330 and the leading A320, by placing a repeat order with Airbus".

Source : CIT Group