Astronics Corporation Electronic Power Distribution System to be Installed on New Pilatus 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 be supplying Pilatus Aircraft Ltd with the Secondary Electronic Power Distribution System (EPDS) for their new PC-24 aircraft.

Astronics designs and builds modern distribution systems which safely and efficiently manage aircraft power. The Secondary Electronic Power Distribution System selected by Pilatus for installation on their new PC-24 twin-jet makes use of Astronics' electronic circuit breaker units. These units, with solid state circuit breakers, are smaller and lighter than their conventional counterparts and therefore can be conveniently located throughout the aircraft. This placement creates a more evenly distributed system, while reducing wire weight. Initial deliveries will begin in 2016. 

"This award validates the viability of the Astronics EPDS to improve aircraft safety, reduce crew workload and reduce aircraft weight in smaller business jets, while improving electrical system reliability," noted Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation.

Known for innovative technology and personalized customer response, Astronics has offered efficient power system management and integrated solutions for over half a century.

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