B/E Aerospace, Inc.`s (Nasdaq:BEAV) recently developed “Skybed” passenger seat is the centerpiece of the redesigned international business class service recently launched by Qantas Airways.
As previously announced, the Australian airline is upgrading its fleet of Boeing 747-400 wide-body aircraft with B/E`s cocoon-style, electric lie-flat sleeper seats. Qantas will also install the seat on its new Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft.
Dubbed “the longest business class seat in the sky,” the highly stylized Skybed seat offers many unique amenities for the business traveler. It transforms into the world`s longest business class bed, with a length of 6 feet, 6 and one-half inches. An articulating arm structure moves downward as the seat reclines, providing additional bed width. A specially designed cocoon-style shell around the seat provides more privacy and personal space than any other business class seat, and is 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 work items meet the distinctive needs of the business traveler.
The Skybed seat is the collaborative creation of B/E Aerospace and renowned Australian designer Marc Newson, and builds on the award-winning B/E electric lie-flat seat platform that has been selected by several leading international airlines.
“Qantas is recognized worldwide for quality and innovation, and we are especially pleased to partner with them on this next-generation business class offering,” said Mr. Michael Baughan, Senior Vice President of B/E Aerospace.
B/E expects the Qantas programs to provide total revenues of more than $35 million. Most of this amount was included in the company`s June 30, 2003 backlog. The majority of the B/E product deliveries under these programs are scheduled for calendar 2004 and 2005.
For photos of the Skybed seat, an interactive demonstration and further information on Qantas` new-look international fleet, visit: http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/travelClasses/businessChanges.
Qantas, one of the world`s 10 largest airlines, operates across a network spanning 142 destinations in 32 countries.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. B/E`s actual experience may differ materially from that anticipated in such statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include those discussed in B/E`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to its most recent proxy statement, Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. For more information, see the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” contained in B/E`s Form 10-K and in other filings.
B/E Aerospace, Inc. is the world`s leading manufacturer and integrator of aircraft cabin interior products, and a leading aftermarket distributor of aerospace fasteners. With a global organization selling directly to the world`s airlines, B/E designs, develops and manufactures a broad product line for both commercial aircraft and business jets and provides cabin interior design, reconfiguration and conversion services. Products for the existing aircraft fleet—the aftermarket—provide about 60 percent of sales. For more information, visit B/E`s website at http://www.beaerospace.com.
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