Astronics Corporation's Induction Starter Generator System Chosen for Pilatus New PC-24 Super Versatile Jet

EAST AURORA, N.Y., June 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (Astronics AES), will supply Pilatus Aircraft Ltd with the Induction Starter Generator System (ISGS) for their new PC-24 twin-jet.

The innovative technology built into the Induction Starter Generator System from Astronics appealed to Pilatus during the design phase of their new aircraft. A key feature of this system is the brushless starter generator unit, which eliminates brush maintenance, one of the highest maintenance and reliability items on business jets today. Deliveries will begin in 2016.

"The power generation and distribution system by Astronics provides unmatched capability, reliability and safety, as well as a reduction in weight. We believe that our ISGS, together with other new concepts and features, will provide future PC-24 owners the performance and versatility they desire," noted Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation.

The inherent nature of the Astronics ISGS improves power system reliability and significantly reduces maintenance and overhaul costs associated with conventional starter-generator systems utilizing brushes. In the engine's proprietary 'Quiet Power Mode,' the Astronics ISGS provides sufficient electrical power without the cost of oversizing the generator system or adding the additional weight and cost of an Auxiliary Power Unit.

ABOUT PILATUS

Founded in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is the only Swiss company to develop, produce and sell aircraft to customers around the world: from the legendary Pilatus Porter PC-6 to the best-selling PC-12, a single engine turboprop, and the PC-21, the training system of the future. Pilatus is currently developing the PC-24, the world's first ever business jet for use on short unmade runways. Domiciled in Stans, the company is certified to ISO 14001 in recognition of its efforts for the environment. The Pilatus Group includes three independent subsidiaries in Altenrhein (Switzerland), Broomfield (Colorado, USA) and Adelaide (Australia). With more than 1500 employees at its headquarters, Pilatus is one of the largest employers in Central Switzerland. Pilatus provides training for over 100 apprentices in ten different professions – job training for young people has always been a very high priority at Pilatus.                     www.pilatus-aircraft.com

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation is a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power, specialized avionics products 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. and Max-Viz, 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 website at www.astronics.com.

For more information on Astronics and its products, visit its website at 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 state of the aerospace industry, the market acceptance of newly developed products, 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 press release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise.

CONTACT: Company:
         David C. Burney, Chief Financial Officer
         Phone: (716) 805-1599, ext. 159
         Email: david.burney@astronics.com

         Product:
         John Behrens, Director, New Business Development
         Phone: (425) 895-4303
         Email: john.behrens@astronics.com

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

Released June 17, 2013