B/E Aerospace Minipod selected by Thai Airways, Korean Air and China Southern Airlines

B/E Aerospace announced that it has been selected by Thai Airways, Korean Air and China Southern Airlines for retrofit - and new aircraft programs worth approximately $60 million

All three carriers will feature B/E's award winning Minipod electric lie flat seat in their next generation business class cabins for B777, B747, A330 and A340 aircraft. Additionally, the Thai Airways program will include B/E's new, luxuriously appointed international first class seat accommodations, specially designed for Boeing and Airbus long-haul aircraft.

China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in China, also selected Spectrum(TM) coach class seats and B/E steam ovens for its new Airbus A330 program.

"We are very gratified with the market response to our Minipod business class platform", said Robert J. Khoury, President and Chief Executive Officer of B/E Aerospace. "A total of eight major airlines have now selected our lie-flat seats for their next generation business class cabins, and we are pleased to collaborate with this broad range of successful and innovative carriers."

Featuring advanced electric systems and controls, the seat is infinitely adjustable from the upright dining and working positions to the lie-flat bed mode. A patented articulating arm structure moves downward as the seat reclines, providing additional bed width and comfort.

A specially designed cocoon-style shell around the seat provides greater privacy and personal space, and can be outfitted with additional passenger controls and reading lights. Other features, such as an 8-way back massager, 110-volt laptop power outlet and storage spaces for shoes and other passenger items are also available. B/E's Industrial Design Studio provides unique styling and brand differentiation for each of our customers. B/E product deliveries are scheduled to begin late 2004.

Japan Airlines are already offering the B/E Minipod.