Astronics Corporation and Panasonic Avionics Corporation sign multi-year agreement for Airbus A350 in-seat power systems

Astronics Corporation, a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp., signed a multi-year agreement with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to provide Astronics' world leading EMPOWER® In-Seat Power Systems for installation with Panasonic's In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Systems on Airbus A350 aircraft.

"We are pleased that Panasonic has chosen to continue its long-standing relationship with Astronics by selecting EMPOWER® system products for integration with their IFEC systems onboard A350 aircraft," said Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation. "We look forward to adding the A350 to the list of aircraft for which we provide highly reliable, low weight power solutions and outstanding customer service to Panasonic."

Astronics began providing EMPOWER® products to Panasonic in 2005 under various commercial agreements. Since then, the parties have collaborated on the design and development of multiple intelligent power supply systems used to provide power to Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) such as laptops, as well as the IFE seat back displays and other electronic devices provided by Panasonic in the cabin of commercial air transport aircraft. Such systems assure high reliability and availability of IFE System functionality and allow the passengers to connect their own portable device for work or pleasure.

For more than 15 years, Astronics has developed innovative intelligent power management systems. The patented EMPOWER® System is currently in service with over 170 Airline/OEM customers at more than 500,000 seat locations.