• Unaudited revenue of approximately $198 million for fourth quarter 2019 exceeded guidance
  • 2020 revenue guidance withdrawn due to uncertainty related to 737 MAX
  • New VVIP IFE platform “Avenir” successfully launched
  • Expects restructuring charges related to antenna business of $29 million to $35 million in fourth quarter 2019
  • Estimating intellectual property damages of an additional $18 million in fourth quarter; Company has filed appeal and is vigorously defending position
  • Temporarily pausing stock buyback initiatives

East Aurora, NY | February 3, 2020- Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries, today provided an update on various projects and events impacting 2019 results and expectations for 2020.

Fourth Quarter Revenue and 2020 Guidance

The Company ended 2019 with unaudited preliminary revenue of approximately $198 million in the fourth quarter, slightly exceeding the high end of guidance that was issued on November 5, 2019. Preliminary bookings were
$156 million in the fourth quarter and preliminary backlog at year-end was $359 million. Bookings were negatively impacted by uncertainty in the market, which the Company believes is related to the ongoing 737 MAX grounding. In addition, the Company cancelled orders of approximately $7 million related to the restructuring and refocusing of its antenna business. Unaudited preliminary revenue for the full year totaled approximately $773 million.

Given the uncertain 2020 production schedule for the 737 MAX and timing of its return to service, along with the related impact on aftermarket spending by commercial airlines, the Company is rescinding its initial 2020 revenue guidance issued in November 2019. Astronics expects to issue revised revenue guidance as the outlook becomes clearer.

Peter Gundermann, Astronics Chairman and CEO, said, “The ongoing 737 MAX grounding affects our business both because of the production pause and because it leaves many of our airline customers short of capacity. This makes them reluctant to take planes out of service to install the types of products they buy from us. The situation is likely to persist until the 737 MAX returns to service. We will publish revenue expectations when we have more insight on the situation. In the meantime, we have taken actions to align our cost structure, anticipating a lower level of production and an extended disruption in the market.”

Astronics has line fit content of approximately $95 thousand on each 737 MAX as well as buyer furnished equipment, such as passenger power and connectivity hardware, that varies depending on aircraft configuration.

Completed Development of Avenir VVIP Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Solution (“IFEC”)

Late in the fourth quarter, the Company delivered a functional Avenir shipset to its launch customer, completing the design and development phase of the Avenir platform for the VVIP inflight entertainment and connectivity (“IFEC”) market. This effort has required significant financial investment by the Company’s Custom Control Concepts (“CCC”) operating unit for the last two years. While the program will require limited additional refinement during launch, the substantial levels of investment are completed. The Company expects that CCC will be profitable in the second half of 2020 and substantially breakeven for the year.

The best-in-class Avenir solution provides significant increases in bandwidth and speed for IFEC applications both on and off the aircraft. Astronics is now actively promoting the Avenir system and recently secured an additional undisclosed customer.

Restructuring and Refocusing the Antenna Operation

Astronics has made significant progress with the restructuring of its antenna business. The plan narrows the initiatives for the business to focus primarily on near-term opportunities pertaining to business jet connectivity. As a result of the narrowed focus, the Company anticipates total restructuring charges of approximately $29 million to $35 million that will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019. Approximately $29 million of the charge will be non- cash, including the write-down of goodwill, intangible assets, fixed assets, inventory and other assets associated with the refocusing of the business activity. The emerging plan has a downsized manufacturing operation remaining in New Hampshire, with significantly reduced personnel and operating expenses. After restructuring, breakeven for the business will be approximately $10 million in revenue.

Mr. Gundermann commented, “We are putting an end to the high level of losses we have incurred in our antenna business the last few years. Simplifying the business and focusing more narrowly on the business jet market gives us the best chance of success. There remains some level of risk with our plan, but we have begun to lower annual fixed cost by about $11 million by reducing operating and R&D costs, while leaving the business positioned to pursue our best near-term opportunity.”

Intellectual Property Dispute

Late in the fourth quarter, the Company received an unfavorable ruling from a German court regarding the scope and calculation of damages in its long-running patent infringement suit. As a result, the Company estimates that an additional $18 million in damages will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019. The ruling pertains to shipments of in-seat power systems the Company directly or indirectly made into Germany between 2007 and 2014. Astronics believes the court’s ruling in this matter is deficient and has initiated an appeal that will likely extend resolution into late 2021.

The dispute was previously argued and resolved in the Company’s favor in the United States. Cases are now beginning in the United Kingdom and France. Astronics does not expect these cases to be resolved during 2020.

Pause in Stock Buyback Program

To conserve cash, the Company is cancelling its 10b5-1 trading plan for its share buyback program and is temporarily postponing initiatives related to stock buybacks until market conditions are clearer, especially the circumstances surrounding the 737 MAX. The Board authorized a $50 million share buyback program in September 2019, which remains in place. Under the plan, Astronics has repurchased approximately 310 thousand shares through Friday, January 31, 2020 at an average price of $27.47

Mr. Gundermann concluded, “While external factors are providing new challenges for 2020, we believe we have taken the steps to improve the operating performance of the business by addressing the losses incurred by our challenged operating units. We expect to face challenging market conditions until the 737 MAX situation improves, but we will continue to work on promising innovation and growth prospects in the meantime, maximizing our performance in the near term while pursuing growth and stronger earnings in the long term.”

 

  • David L. Calhoun Named President and CEO
  • Lawrence W. Kellner to Become Chairman of the Board
  • New Leadership to Bring Renewed Commitment to Transparency and Better Communication With Regulators and Customers in Safely Returning the 737 MAX to Service

Chicago | December 23, 2019– Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that its Board of Directors has named current Chairman, David L. Calhoun, as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective January 13, 2020. Mr. Calhoun will remain a member of the Board. In addition, Board member Lawrence W. Kellner will become non-executive Chairman of the Board effective immediately.

The Company also announced that Dennis A. Muilenburg has resigned from his positions as Chief Executive Officer and Board director effective immediately. Boeing Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith will serve as interim CEO during the brief transition period, while Mr. Calhoun exits his non-Boeing commitments.

The Board of Directors decided that a change in leadership was necessary to restore confidence in the Company moving forward as it works to repair relationships with regulators, customers, and all other stakeholders.

Under the Company’s new leadership, Boeing will operate with a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture,” Mr. Kellner said.  He added, “Dave has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront. The Board and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Boeing team to ensure that today marks a new way forward for our company.”

Mr. Calhoun said, “I strongly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 MAX. I am honored to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who are working hard to create the future of aviation.”

Chicago | November 11, 2019–

Boeing’s priority remains the safe return to service of the MAX and supporting our airline customers through this challenging time. We are working closely with the FAA and other regulatory authorities as we work towards certification and safe return to commercial service, and we are taking the time to answer all of their questions. With the rigorous scrutiny being applied, we are confident the MAX will be one of the safest airplanes ever to fly.

While the FAA and other regulatory authorities will determine the timing of certification and return to commercial service, Boeing continues to target FAA certification of the MAX flight control software updates during this quarter. Based on this schedule, it is possible that the resumption of MAX deliveries to airline customers could begin in December, after certification, when the FAA issues an Airworthiness Directive rescinding the grounding order. In parallel, we are working towards final validation of the updated training requirements, which must occur before the MAX returns to commercial service, and which we now expect to begin in January.

There are five key milestones Boeing must complete with the FAA before return to service:

  1. FAA eCab Simulator Certification Session: A multi-day eCab simulator evaluation with the FAA to ensure the overall software system performs its intended function, both normally and in the presence of system failures. COMPLETED
  2. FAA Line Pilots Crew Workload Evaluation: A separate, multi-day simulator session with airline pilots to assess human factors and crew workload under various test conditions.
  3. FAA Certification Flight Test: FAA pilots will conduct a certification flight(s) of the final updated software.
  4. Boeing Final Submittal to the FAA: After completion of the FAA certification flight, Boeing will submit the final certification deliverables and artifacts to the FAA to support software certification.
  5. Joint Operational Evaluation Board (JOEB) Simulator Training Evaluation: The Joint Operational Evaluation Board (JOEB), a multi-regulatory body, conducts a multi-day simulator session with global regulatory pilots to validate training requirements. Following the simulator session, the Flight Standardization Board will release a report for a public comment period, followed by final approval of the training.

Boeing and the FAA successfully concluded the first of these milestones this past week, and are now working towards the FAA line pilots evaluation and the FAA certification flight test.

At each step of this process Boeing has worked closely with the FAA and other regulators. We’re providing detailed documentation, had them fly in the simulators, and helped them understand our logic and the design for the new procedures, software and proposed training material to ensure that they are completely satisfied as to the airplane’s safety. The FAA and other regulatory authorities will ultimately determine return to service in each relevant jurisdiction. This may include a phased approach and timing may vary by jurisdiction.

Seattle | June 2, 2019– Boeing is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and has contacted 737 operators advising them to inspect the slat track assemblies on certain airplanes. One batch of slat tracks with specific lot numbers produced by a supplier was found to have a potential nonconformance. If operators find the parts in question, they are to replace them with new ones before returning the airplane to service.

Slat tracks are used to guide the slats located on the leading edge of an airplane’s wings. Boeing has not been informed of any in-service issues related to this batch of slat tracks.

Boeing is now staging replacement parts at customer bases to help minimize aircraft downtime while the work is completed. Once the new parts are in hand, the replacement work should take one to two days. Boeing will also issue a safety service bulletin outlining the steps to take during the inspections.

Boeing has identified 21 737NGs most likely to have the parts in question. To ensure a thorough assessment, airlines are advised to check an additional 112 NGs.

A separate service bulletin will go to 737 MAX operators to do inspections before the MAX fleet returns to service. Boeing identified 20 737 MAX airplanes that are most likely to have the parts in question. Operators will be asked to check an additional 159 MAXs to ensure a thorough assessment.

“We are committed to supporting our customers in every way possible as they identify and replace these potentially non-conforming tracks,” said Kevin McAllister, President & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The FAA will issue an Airworthiness Directive making Boeing’s recommendations mandatory.

April 29, 2019– We want to provide a response to several news stories yesterday and today reporting on the disagree alert on the 737 MAX.

Boeing included the disagree alert as a standard feature on the MAX, although this alert has not been considered a safety feature on airplanes and is not necessary for the safe operation of the airplane. Boeing did not intentionally or otherwise deactivate the disagree alert on its MAX airplanes.

The disagree alert was intended to be a standard, stand-alone feature on MAX airplanes. However, the disagree alert was not operable on all airplanes because the feature was not activated as intended.

The disagree alert was tied or linked into the angle of attack indicator, which is an optional feature on the MAX. Unless an airline opted for the angle of attack indicator, the disagree alert was not operable.

On every airplane delivered to our customers, including the MAX, all flight data and information needed to safely operate the aircraft is provided in the flight deck and on the flight deck display. This information is readily accessible to pilots, and it always has been.

The air speed, attitude, and altitude displays, together with the stick shaker, are the primary flight information indicators in the flight deck. All recommended pilot actions, checklists, and training are based upon these primary indicators, not on the AOA disagree alert or the angle of attack indicator.

As the MAX safely returns to the air after the software modifications are approved and certified, all MAX production aircraft will have an activated and operable disagree alert and an optional angle of attack indicator. All customers with previously delivered MAX airplanes will have the ability to activate the disagree alert per a service bulletin to airlines.

We are confident that when the MAX returns to the skies, it will be one of the safest airplanes ever to fly.

Chicago, USA | April 4, 2019– Boeing issued the following statement regarding the release today of the preliminary investigation report of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 by the Ethiopian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

“I’d like to reiterate our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the accident,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister. “We thank Ethiopia’s Accident Investigation Bureau for its hard work and continuing efforts. Understanding the circumstances that contributed to this accident is critical to ensuring safe flight. We will carefully review the AIB’s preliminary report, and will take any and all additional steps necessary to enhance the safety of our aircraft.”

Safety is a core value for everyone at Boeing and the safety of our airplanes, our customers’ passengers and crews is always our top priority. Boeing’s technical experts continue to assist in this investigation and company-wide teams are working to address lessons from the Lion Air Flight 610 accident in October.

The preliminary report contains flight data recorder information indicating the airplane had an erroneous angle of attack sensor input that activated the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) function during the flight, as it had during the Lion Air 610 flight.

To ensure unintended MCAS activation will not occur again, Boeing has developed and is planning to release a software update to MCAS and an associated comprehensive pilot training and supplementary education program for the 737 MAX.

As previously announced, the update adds additional layers of protection and will prevent erroneous data from causing MCAS activation. Flight crews will always have the ability to override MCAS and manually control the airplane.

Boeing continues to work with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and other regulatory agencies worldwide on the development and certification of the software update and training program.

Boeing also is continuing to work closely with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as technical advisors in support of the AIB investigation. As a party providing technical assistance under the direction of investigating authorities, Boeing is prevented by international protocol and NTSB regulations from disclosing any information relating to the investigation. In accordance with international protocol, information about the investigation is provided only by investigating authorities in charge.

  • MOU includes eight 787 Dreamliners and eight 737 MAXs
  • Ceremony witnessed by Malaysian Minister of International Trade & Industry; In presence of Malaysian Prime Minister

Washington | September 12, 2017– Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (Malaysia Airlines) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 16 airplanes during a ceremony at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington D.C.

The signing was witnessed by Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry and in the presence of The Honorable Dato’ Sri Muhammad Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia as well as members from the airline and Boeing.

The announcement includes eight 787-9 Dreamliners by converting eight of Malaysia Airlines’ existing order of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and eight additional purchase rights of the 737 MAX 8s as well as Boeing’s Global Fleet Care service to maintain the national carrier’s current and future Boeing airplanes. Once finalized, the deal will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

“Malaysia Airlines is proud to sign this MOU for the widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and additional 737 MAXs, building on our more than 40 years of partnership with Boeing,” said Peter Bellew, managing director and chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines. “New widebody aircraft are a key to making Malaysia Airlines a premium airline offering a five star product again. The extraordinary range of the 787-9 gives an ability to operate to any point in Europe and some USA destinations in the future from Kuala Lumpur. The MOU with Boeing on their Global Fleet Care program will allow the two companies to build a world class MRO for the 737 MAX, 787 and 737NG based on Malaysia’s existing facilities in Kuala Lumpur.”

Malaysia Airlines currently operates more than 50 Next-Generation 737s and has an additional 25 737 MAXs on order, including 10 for the new 737 MAX 10.

“Boeing offers the very best widebody and single aisle airplanes in the world and we are delighted Malaysia Airlines continues to put its trust and confidence in Boeing with this MOU for 16 Boeing airplanes,” said Kevin McAllister, President and Chief Executive Officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 and the 737 MAX will provide Malaysia Airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, economics and a superior passenger experience as they continue to grow their business across Southeast Asia and beyond.”

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features and uses 25 percent less fuel and with 20 to 25 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces. The 737 MAX 10 will be the most profitable single-aisle airplane, offering the lowest seat costs ever. The 737 MAX family has been designed to offer customers exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market.

Boeing Global Fleet Care provides point solutions in the form of Engineering, Materials and Maintenance programs for air operators, accomplished through the use of decades of fleet data management, industry-leading technologies, and proprietary analytics and processes. Tailored to the individual airline, Boeing Global Fleet Care is a high-value, low-risk and efficient fleet maintenance operations solution that gives customers a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

The webFB is the first approved wireless AID certified for use in the flight deck

East Aurora, NY | June 12, 2017– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Astronics Armstrong Aerospace and Astronics Ballard Technology, announced today it has received installation approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Canada, and Direccíon General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC Mexico) for its webFB® Wireless Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) device for use on Boeing 737 aircraft. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted the initial Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the webFB in 2016.

“These approvals will enable installation of the webFB on aircraft not only in the US, but now throughout Europe, Canada and Mexico,” said Jon Neal, Vice President and General Manager of Astronics Ballard Technology. “The webFB is a game-changer in terms of size, cost and ease of installation. The wireless webFB device enables airlines to provide avionics data connectivity to their portable EFBs with a simple install requiring minimal downtime. A fleet-wide implementation could be completed in days rather than years.”
The ultra-compact webFB easily fits in the palm of the hand, yet incorporates the capabilities of both an Aircraft Interface Device (AID) and a wireless server. The built-in AID safely gathers essential data from an aircraft’s ARINC 429 and 717 data buses and conveys it to custom software or EFB apps hosted on its internal server. Using a wireless connection to portable EFB tablets, the webFB securely delivers valuable information right to the fingertips of the flight crew.

In conjunction with the newly issued validations, Astronics is currently working with airlines that are actively conducting trials using the webFB to increase operational efficiencies. Airlines and software partners are developing a variety of enhanced EFB applications for the webFB including flight optimization, electronic tech logs, and real-time Quick Access Recorder (QAR) monitoring and event notifications. For software vendors, the webFB provides a rapid and practical solution for developing applications and deploying them into the flight deck and beyond.

Astronics Armstrong Aerospace developed the installation design and provided regulatory certification services for the webFB. “The simplicity of our 737 test port installation design allows our airline customers to quickly install the webFB device during routine overnight maintenance visits,” said Rob Abbinante, President of Astronics Armstrong Aerospace. The STCs also approve the installation of the Astronics AES EmPower® Flight Deck USB UltraLite Power System, which charges portable EFBs while in flight.

Astronics Ballard Technology will spotlight the webFB at the EFB Users Forum (booth 25) in Vienna, Austria, June 13-15. The webFB is available now. For complete product details and to request a quote, visit Astronics.com/BallardTechnology/webFB.

Astronics Ballard Technology is the industry-leader for reliable avionics data bus interface solutions and world- class customer support. Astronics Armstrong Aerospace is an innovative aviation engineering, design and manufacturing company that upgrades aircraft with new technologies.

  • First FAA approved wireless AID certified for use in flight deck

East Aurora, NY | May 23, 2016– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries, announced today it has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) for its webFB® Wireless Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) device for use on Boeing 737 aircraft. This approval represents the first time a wireless Aircraft Interface Device (AID) has been certified for use in the flight deck by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The ultra-compact webFB easily fits in the palm of the hand, yet incorporates the capabilities of both an AID and a wireless server. The built-in AID safely gathers essential data from the aircraft’s ARINC 429 and 717 databuses and conveys it to custom software or EFB apps hosted on the internal server. Using a wireless connection to portable EFB tablets, the webFB securely delivers this valuable information right to the fingertips of the flight crew.

Seattle, WA | April 26, 2016– Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Xiamen Airlines, China’s only all-Boeing carrier, have finalized an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-800s.

The order, valued at $960 million at list prices, will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

“The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are pleased to see the 737-800 continues to play an important role in Xiamen Airlines’ fleet expansion.”

Formed in 1984 as China’s first joint venture between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and a municipal government, Xiamen Airlines began flying passengers in 1985 with two 737-200s serving three cities.

Mirroring the rapid growth of China’s air travel industry, the carrier now has expanded its fleet in service to 135 airplanes – 17 737-700s, 108 737-800s, 4 757-200s and 6 787-8 Dreamliners.

  • Deal for 11 Next-Generation 737s and 11 737 MAX 8s fulfills growing customer demand for new technology, fuel efficient airplanes

Singapore | November 24, 2015– Boeing (NYSE: BA) and BOC Aviation, announced an order for 22 737 airplanes, building on the leasing company’s existing order book to fulfill customer demand.

The order, consisting of 11 Next-Generation 737-800s and 11 737 MAX 8 airplanes, will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once finalized.

“This order demonstrates our continued confidence in the Next Generation 737 aircraft for its proven high performance, reliability and asset value,” said Robert Martin, managing director and chief executive officer of BOC Aviation. “The Next Generation 737 economics are very attractive to our customers. With the 737 MAX, we are investing in new technology aircraft to meet our customers’ long-term fleet planning requirements.”

In addition to today’s announcement, BOC Aviation has ordered 167 737 airplanes, including 50 737 MAXs and 16 777s.

“BOC Aviation has played an important role in the success of the 737 program and we’re delighted they have again put their confidence in Boeing and the 737 family,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This new order, on top of the 2014 order for 80 737s, is proof of BOC Aviation’s leading position in the leasing market, providing its customers with the most reliable and fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes.”

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor.

BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft leasing company with a portfolio of 253 owned and managed aircraft operated by 59 airlines worldwide in 29 countries, with commitments to acquire 203 aircraft, as of 30 September 2015. BOC Aviation, owned by Bank of China, is based in Singapore with offices in Dublin, London, Seattle and Tianjin.

Seattle, WA | October 9, 2015– Boeing (NYSE: BA) and hometown partner Alaska Airlines celebrated the first 737 featuring Boeing’s new Space Bins, which increase the room for carry-on baggage by 48 percent. Alaska is the launch customer of Space Bins.

“Alaska is relentlessly focused on making the travel experience better,” said Sangita Woerner, Alaska Airlines vice president of marketing. “We’ve been on a mission to improve our cabin experience for several years and Space Bins are part of a $150 million investment we’ve made to make flying more comfortable and enjoyable. By the end of 2017, nearly half of our fleet will have larger bins to accommodate a carry-on bag for virtually every customer.”

Alaska will take delivery of 34 Next-Generation 737s and one 737 MAX in the next two years and will also begin retrofitting 34 aircraft with the Boeing Sky Interior, primarily 737-900ERs (Extended Range), in 2016.

Each Space Bin stows six bags, two more than the current pivot bins installed on Next-Generation 737s with the Boeing Sky Interior. That’s based on a standard size carry-on bag measuring 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 36 cm x 56 cm).

“We work closely with our customers to continuously enhance their airplanes so they can offer great passenger experiences,” said Brent Walton, manager of 737 Interiors New Features for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We have a strong record of delivering value with innovative interior features like bigger bins that help reduce passenger anxiety about overhead storage and provide a better travel experience.”

When open, the bottom edge of a Space Bin hangs about 2 inches (5 centimeters) lower, so travelers can lift their carry-on bags more easily. The deeper bins allow more bags to be stowed and increase visibility into the back of the bins. Alaska Airlines also reports that the Space Bins, designed without a flight attendant bin assist mechanism, are easier to close.

Alaska Airlines is installing Space Bins on all its 737-900ERs and 737 MAX aircraft currently on order and by 2017 will have 69 airplanes, or 46 percent of its passenger fleet, outfitted with Space Bins.

Boeing’s Space Bins are available as an optional feature on in-production Next-Generation 737s and 737 MAXs. Space Bins are also available for retrofit on in-service Next-Generation 737s.

Irvine, California | May 12, 2015– Lumexis Corporation today announce that their Lumexis Fiber-To-The-Screen® (FTTS®) In-Flight Entertainment system has been made offerable for linefit on both the 737 NG and 737 MAX families of aircraft.

“The Lumexis team is delighted with the significant achievement of having gained Boeing’s confidence in our company’s leading edge FTTS system and team,” said Doug Cline, Lumexis Corporation Chief Executive Officer. “We are most appreciative of their supportive and collaborative offerability team, and we look forward to seeing the first FTTS system installed on the 737 production line in the very near future.”

“Lumexis has worked closely with Boeing through their Technical Services Agreement (TSA) process to develop and apply the FTTS technology on Boeing 737 platforms,” said Jon Norris, Lumexis Vice President Sales. “This is an offering which can be selected immediately by Boeing’s worldwide airline customers.”

Lumexis President and Chief Operating Officer Lou Sharkey adds, “After 5 years of numerous retrofit installations on both wide-body and narrow-body airframes, the Lumexis team is so proud to have achieved linefit offerable status on Boeing’s highest production 737 models.”

  • New bins available for the 737 family will hold 50 percent more bags

Hamburg, Germany | April 14, 2014– Boeing (NYSE: BA) is showcasing its roomier luggage bins available on its 737 family of airplanes at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg this week.

Space Bins answer the call for more space to stow carry-on bags. Each of the larger Space Bins will hold six standard sized bags, two more than the large current Boeing Sky Interior pivot bins installed on many Next-Generation 737s.

That allows for 194 total bags in Space Bins on a 737-900ER or 737 MAX 9, compared to 132 in the current bin configuration; 174 compared to 118 on a 737-800 or 737 MAX 8; and 130 compared to 90 on a 737-700 or 737 MAX 7.

With a lower bin lip height, Space Bins provide increased visibility into the back of the bins and make bag loading even easier. They’re also as easy to close as the current pivot bins, yet require no bin assist mechanism to facilitate closure.

Boeing interior engineers recently asked a group of frequent fliers to test out Space Bins at the 737 Configuration Studio in Seattle.

“They’re enormous compared to the other bins,” said Daniel Jones, a frequent passenger on the 737. “I won’t have to gate check my bags anymore. Boarding will be a lot quicker plus I won’t have to help my girlfriend load her bags because she can reach these bins a lot easier.”

Jones added that he sees Boeing leading the way it comes to new innovations in airplane interiors.

“Space Bins were created to add value for our airline customers,” said Steve Pickard, interiors engineer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “But being able to see the ultimate customer, our Boeing airplane passengers, get excited about something my team helped build is truly gratifying.”

Airlines can expect quicker boarding and turnaround time at the gate and passengers will benefit from decreased anxiety about finding space for their carry-on bag when boarding a flight.

Two airlines have already ordered the new Space Bins including launch customer Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Boeing’s Space Bins are also available for retrofit on in-service Next-Generation 737s.

Photos are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com/
Video available here: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737max/space-bins/#/video

Seattle, WA | December 22, 2014– Boeing [NYSE: BA] is pleased that Air China has committed to purchase 60 737s, including Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX airplanes. The commitment when finalized will be valued at more than $6 billion at current list prices.

“Our long-standing and productive partnership with Air China dates back to the airline’s beginning and we are proud the 737 has been part of their success,” said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are excited to see that the 737 family will play a significant role in Air China’s continued success.”

The order will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

El Segundo, CA | October 24, 2013– Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) announced today that The Boeing Company has awarded Teledyne Controls a landmark contract to develop and supply the next generation of aircraft data acquisition systems for the Boeing Next Generation 737 and 737 MAX and the new information management system for the 777, Next -Generation 737, 737 MAX and 747-8 production aircraft.

As an integral part of the contract, the data acquisition and information management solution includes two newly-developed avionics units: the enhanced Digital Flight Data Acquisition Unit (eDFDAU) and the Network File Server 2 (NFS2), designed to further improve flight safety, efficiency and maintenance.

“The trust and confidence that Boeing has shown in awarding Teledyne this contract confirms our position as the leading provider of aircraft data acquisition and information management systems,” said Robert Mehrabian, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Teledyne. “We are proud to continue our commitment of delivering ‘intelligence in flight’ to the world’s major aircraft manufacturers and airlines.”

The NFS2 and eDFDAU are the next evolution of avionic systems that Teledyne supplies to Boeing and airlines today. Teledyne’s current DFDAU is installed in over two thirds of all of the Next-Generation 737s manufactured today as Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE), while the current generation NFS1 is standard equipment on the 747-8, an option on the 777, and targeted to be introduced as standard fit on the Next-Generation 737 in January 2014, and on the 777 soon thereafter.

The new eDFDAU/NFS2 system will be offered as a single source Seller Furnished Equipment (SFE) option on the Next-Generation 737 in 2016, and be SFE standard equipment on the 737 MAX. The NFS2 is also expected to replace the NFS1 on the 777 once available.

“Teledyne’s experience and innovation continues to be recognized by Boeing in providing not only the latest state-of-the-art data acquisition and network server systems but also a collaborative approach in support of Boeing’s Commercial Aviation Services (CAS) offerings and solutions,” said Masood Hassan, president of Teledyne Controls.