July 13, 2005 – THREE airlines have chosen Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems’ EmPower in-seat power for aircraft in their fleets.

Air China, China Eastern and Virgin Atlantic have awarded contracts worth an anticipated total of $7 million to Astronics AES, which earlier this year acquired the in-seat power and handheld IFE interests of General Dynamics.

From the first quarter of next year and continuing to 2007, Air China will install EmPower in business and economy class in 20 Airbus A330-200s.

China Eastern plans to install EmPower in business and economy class on 15 Airbus A330-300s and five A330-200s, beginning this year and continuing to 2007.

Up to 13 Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600s are to have the system in premium economy and upper class. Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year and to continue to the first quarter of 2008.

Designed to meet the growing demands of laptop PCs, EmPower provides up to 150W of 110V AC, 60Hz power. Features include an option of up to three outlets per box, compatibility with plugs from over 140 countries, and a backlit receptacle for use in darkened cabins. The system has been designed for compatibility with the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 cabins.