• First Sale of Dedicated VVIP Broadband Connectivity Solution
• Leverages Partnership with Associated Air Center

EAST AURORA, N.Y., April 8, 2014 (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 Ku-band airborne connectivity solutions, has secured its first VVIP customer for FliteStream^™, a satellite broadband solution for the VVIP aircraft market. FliteStream provides a global connectivity solution expressly designed for VVIP and business aviation customers, who demand the highest level of service and performance from airborne broadband systems. The initial FliteStream installation will be performed by Associated Air Center, StandardAero's Large Transport Category VVIP completions center in Dallas, TX, aboard a new Boeing B747-8 for an undisclosed customer.  As part of the complete FliteStream solution, Astronics AeroSat will be providing the full installation design and STC data package.

"We were very impressed with both the capability and range of customized service offerings that Astronics AeroSat delivers through its FliteStream solution," said Jack Lawless, Chief Executive Officer of Associated Air Center.  "When dealing with VVIP aircraft, it's essential that we offer a well-designed, complete solution that can be tailored to the worldwide operating needs of our customers," he added.

"We created the FliteStream solution for elite aviation markets, and we're gratified that an organization as capable and well-regarded as Associated Air Center would be our customer," noted Skip Feher, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Astronics AeroSat.  "Because the FliteStream connectivity service is not shared with commercial airline passengers, it offers a more robust and predictable broadband experience that's not susceptible to choke points in areas of high density airline traffic, making it extremely attractive to VVIP customers," Mr. Feher concluded.

The one-stop FliteStream solution is designed for performance and customer convenience. It features AeroSat's highly efficient, patented "Lens Horn" antenna technology, a defined upgrade path to Ka-band, and a Certification Assistance Program^™.  Worldwide, 24/7 AOG support with a single point of contact is also included.

FliteStream service plans feature customer-defined 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.

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 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 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.