ATRO Astronics Corporation

Selected Supplier for Passenger Electronics System EAST AURORA, N.Y., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO), a leader in advanced high-performance lighting and electrical distribution systems for the global aerospace industry, today announced its subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), has signed an agreement with Air Canada to provide its EmPower(R) In-Seat Power System for approximately 100 aircraft with the option for Air Canada to purchase additional systems for over 30 more aircraft. The power system includes seat outlets and power supplies that allow passengers to power personal electronic devices with aircraft power. The program, part of a larger upgrade program planned by Air Canada, launches in early 2006 and is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months. The contract is valued at approximately $12 million, plus $2 million in optional purchases. Peter Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corp., commented, "Our selection for this major retrofit program was a result of Astronics' engineering and product expertise and the advanced features offered on the current models of our in-seat power systems. In addition, our ability to meet tight delivery commitments contributed to our being awarded the contract for this aggressive program." The EmPower(R) 110V AC In-Seat Power System will be installed on Air Canada's aircraft, including the CRJ705, A320, and several configurations of B767 aircraft. The EmPower(R) System provides the highest power output available today with 150 watts per outlet of 110V AC, 60 Hz power. The system also boasts high efficiency and reliability in a lightweight package that meets the requirements of today's power-hungry laptops and personal electronic devices. The EmPower(R) 110V AC outlet is compatible with plugs from over 145 countries. Mr. Gundermann added, "Our in-seat power product line is dependent on major airline retrofit and upgrade programs such as this. To win these programs we need to continually advance our products' capabilities and stay ahead of the curve on technology and trends. Programs like this confirm the technical performance of our products and provide a solid foundation for the future. "As airlines expand their long haul businesses, we believe they will want to enhance their customers' flight experience, as Air Canada is doing, and therefore, will be choosing more frequently to include in-seat power systems throughout the cabins for all passengers. We are the leader in this market, and we believe will benefit from this trend," he concluded. ABOUT AIR CANADA Air Canada, together with Air Canada Jazz and other business units of parent company ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. (TSE:ACE.RV) provide scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 150 destinations, vacation packages to over 90 destinations, as well as maintenance, ground handling and training services to other airlines. ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION Astronics Corporation is a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical generation, control and distribution systems for the global aerospace industry. Its strategy is to expand the value and content it provides to various aircraft platforms through product development and acquisition. Astronics Corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems and Luminescent Systems Inc., have a reputation for high quality designs, exceptional responsiveness, strong brand recognition and best-in-class manufacturing practices. For more information on Astronics and its products, visit its website at http://www.astronics.com/. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "may," "will," "estimate" or other similar expression. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the Company's ability to successfully execute the contract, changes in demand for products, changes in customers preferences, the state of the aerospace industry, and other factors which are described in filings by Astronics with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this press release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise. DATASOURCE: Astronics Corporation CONTACT: David C. Burney, Chief Financial Officer of Astronics Corporation, +1-716-805-1599 ext. 159, Fax +1-716-805-1286, or email Web site: http://www.astronics.com/

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