Astronics Receives Initial Certification for the Edge Cabin Network Platform

STC Approval Supports Continued Expansion for Distributed Architecture Platform

EAST AURORA, NY, May 19, 2021 – Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries, announced today availability for order of it’s latest cabin network platform, branded as “The Edge™”.

The Edge offers airlines, IFE suppliers, MRO’s and system integrators an extremely cost-effective platform for full-featured in-flight entertainment (IFE) with reduced time to market. The Edge takes advantage of a distributed network architecture that utilizes Smart WAPs. The solution combines an industry first Wi-Fi 6 wireless access point and server functionality as compute nodes that minimize installation wiring and provide a redundant and fault tolerant system. The Edge system is designed to be installed overnight.

"Astronics already has thousands of aircraft flying with our IFE hardware on board, which is unmatched in the market. This latest STC approval for The Edge is a testament to our technology leadership and continued solutions for the in-flight entertainment and connectivity market," explained Michael Kuehn, President of Astronics CSC.

LiFE in the Air has partnered with Astronics to use The Edge to host LiFE in the Air’s digital inflight solution. The Edge system is designed to be installed overnight with installation certifications owned by Astronics and reusable for future airline customers. Through this collaboration, LiFE in the Air is offering trial and demos to airlines. Through this offer, airlines can experience how the combination of LiFE in the Air’s IFE service offered on Astronics’ The Edge IFE platform can transform IFE from a traditional expense to an ancillary revenue-generating opportunity.

LiFE in the Air’s innovative digital inflight solution enables airline passengers to use their personal electronic devices to virtually buy products onboard, access inflight entertainment, and keep occupied while in flight with short films and entertaining content, games, and community-driven features. Another key feature is that no air-to-ground connectivity is required. The solution reduces the frequency of traveler to crew contact, providing greater peace of mind for passengers in the post-COVID world.

“This is another major milestone for LiFE in the Air and a big step forward as we continue our progress of enhancing the passenger experience while providing services for airlines around the world,” says Bayram Annakov, CEO and founder of LiFE in the Air. “With the needed STCs being completed with Astronics, we can now focus our attention on Boeing 737-800 and MAX aircraft installations globally, and bring our innovative IFE solution to passengers, as travel starts to recover."

Airlines can now schedule a demo with Astronics and LiFE in the Air here: http://lifeintheair.com/astronics and see how they can serve their passengers with a more cost effective and innovative IFE solution.

About Astronics Corporation
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit Astronics.com.

About LiFE In The Air, Inc.
Founded by entrepreneur Bayram Annakov and his team in 2020, LiFE in the Air enables airlines to seamlessly monetize inflight customers through an innovative digital experience. Designed for the post-COVID traveler in mind, LiFE in the Air enables airlines to continue building passenger confidence while also supplementing declining ad revenue from inflight magazines. The onboard e-commerce experience not only seamlessly integrates into any airline's digital strategy creating a new revenue stream, but also provides a platform for engaging, onboard content. Now you can create happy passengers while earning more revenue.

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Released May 19, 2021