Astronics Corporation Announces Business Jet OEMs Select EmPOWER® USB System

EAST AURORA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries announced today at the Aircraft Electronic Association’s International Convention & Trade Show that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (AES), has contracted with three business aircraft OEMs to supply its new EmPOWER^® System, which supports USB capability. The EmPOWER^® System will be installed on numerous aircraft models.

The selection was based on the system’s ability to support multiple passengers with a mix of AC and USB power. The inherent safety features of the EmPOWER^® 28VDC to 115VAC System and the dual use AC/USB Outlet provides a clean and easy installation to support the power needs of passengers and crew.

The flexibility of a combined AC/USB outlet is designed to conserve valuable cabin space and to provide passengers with two power availability options at each seat location. Should customers desire, separate AC and USB outlets can be installed.

Keeping safety in mind for both the passenger and the aircraft, overcurrent, overvoltage and thermal runaway conditions are managed locally by the system. This protects both the passenger device power cable as well as the device. The EmPOWER^® USB outlet unit is TSO-C71 certified and DO-160E compliant, while the EmPOWER^® 28VDC to 115VAC in-seat power supply is TSO-C-73 certified.

“Astronics is committed to bringing industry leading electrical power systems to the business aviation market. The EmPOWER^® product is an example of an elegant, but simple, design solution, which allows business aircraft to meet customer demands for power on aircraft,” noted Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation.

For more than 15 years, Astronics has developed patented intelligent power management systems. The patented EmPOWER^® System is currently in service with over 170 Airline/OEM customers and installed in over 500,000 seat locations. The 28VDC to 115VAC EmPOWER^® In-Seat Power Supply System was launched into the business jet market in 2009 and was the first intelligent power management system of its kind available to the business jet market.

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.

Company:
Astronics Corporation
David C. Burney, 716-805-1599, ext. 159
Chief Financial Officer
david.burney@astronics.com
or
Products:
Astronics Corporation
John Behrens, 425-895-4303
Director, New Business Development APC Sales & Marketing
john.behrens@astronics.com
or
Investor Relations:
Kei Advisors LLC
Deborah K. Pawlowski, 716-843-3908
dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com

Source: Astronics Corporation

Released March 26, 2013