Astronics AeroSat Launches FliteStream(TM) VVIP

• Industry's First Dedicated VVIP Connectivity Solution
• Leverages Strategic Alliance with Harris CapRock

EAST AURORA, N.Y., Oct. 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, announced today that Astronics AeroSat, its wholly-owned subsidiary and manufacturer of satellite antenna systems, launched FliteStream^™ VVIP, a satellite broadband service designed for the VVIP market. FliteStream is the aviation industry's first dedicated global connectivity solution for the VVIP fleet. It will leverage the services of Harris CapRock Communications, a premier global provider of managed communication solutions for remote and harsh environments. The one-stop FliteStream VVIP solution is designed for performance, growth and customer convenience, and features AeroSat's highly efficient, patented Ku-band antenna technology and a Certification Assistance Program^™ that includes a full installation design and STC data package. Worldwide, 24/7 AOG support with a single point of contact is also included.

FliteStream VVIP service plans include customer-selectable options for geographic regions and bandwidth requirements. These service plan options will ensure that each VVIP operator will receive the service level that meets the unique needs of his or her demanding business.

"Because the FliteStream VVIP solution is not shared with commercial airline passengers, the VVIP business executive's connectivity experience will always be robust and predicable, not susceptible to choke points in areas of high density airline traffic," according to Frank Blanda, Astronics AeroSat's Chief Technology Officer.

"The strategic alliance with Harris CapRock, a well respected communications provider, enables Astronics AeroSat to take the lead in improving the quality of the VVIP passenger communications experience by offering this high level of global connectivity. We're now positioned to serve the VVIP market by offering a complete solution, including both the airplane hardware and a worldwide connectivity service. We also offer the completion centers and MROs any level of support desired, from installation design through complete certification, or any level in between," said Dennis Ferguson, President of Astronics AeroSat Corporation.

Harris CapRock has more than three decades of experience in delivering mission-critical communications for commercial and government markets. As the world's largest provider of communications to extreme environments, Harris CapRock has the expertise and reach to deliver reliable, high-quality service worldwide, making them the ideal service provider for this elite aviation market.

"This agreement enables Astronics AeroSat to bring a powerful worldwide connectivity capability to the most elite business travelers in the world," said Tom Eaton, President, Harris CapRock. "Harris CapRock's existing global infrastructure and multi-band network already provide highly dependable managed communications to thousands of remote and harsh locations and we're excited to extend those capabilities to support Astronics AeroSat in its services to operators of VVIP aircraft."

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO) is a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries. Astronics' strategy is to develop and maintain positions of technical leadership in its chosen aerospace and defense markets, to leverage those positions to grow the amount of content and volume of product it sells to those markets and to selectively acquire businesses with similar technical capabilities that could benefit from our leadership position and strategic direction. Astronics Corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp., Ballard Technology, Inc., DME Corporation, Luminescent Systems Inc., Max-Viz, Inc., AeroSat and PECO, Inc., have a reputation for high-quality designs, exceptional responsiveness, strong brand recognition and best-in-class manufacturing practices. The Company routinely posts news and other important information on its Web site at www.astronics.com.

For more information on Astronics and its products, visit its Web site at  www.Astronics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news 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 expressions. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the state of the aerospace and defense industries, the market acceptance of newly developed or acquired products, the receipt of FAA certifications, internal production capabilities, the timing of orders received, the status of customer certification processes, the demand for and market acceptance of new or existing aircraft which contain the Company's products, customer preferences, 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 news release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise.

CONTACT: For more information contact:
         Company:
         Skip Feher, VP Sales and Marketing
         Phone: (425) 677-5335
         Email: skip.feher@astronics.com

         Investor Relations:
         Deborah K. Pawlowski, Kei Advisors LLC
         Phone: (716) 843-3908
         Email: dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com

Released October 22, 2013