Airbus Announces Doubling of Manufacturing Dollars in California.

Newest manufacturing contract with McStarlite Company for all new Airbus A350 XWB signifies milestone

LOS ANGELES -- Airbus today announced it has awarded the contract for the manufacturing of high tech inlet lipskins for the A350 XWB to the California-based McStarlite Company, the world's leading producer of aircraft engine nacelle lipskins. Lipskins, also known as engine nacelle leading edges, are the "donut" shape front part of an airplane engine.

This contract confirms the growing contribution that Airbus is making to the US aerospace industry, with an increased spending nationwide that has doubled in the last five years and reached an investment of around 10 billion dollars last year alone. In California, Airbus doubled its investment from 2007 to 2008, reaching a total investment of around $1 billion, most of which is invested in Southern California.

"Airbus is increasingly working with US-based high-tech companies like McStarlite," said Airbus Americas Chairman Allan McArtor at a ceremony in the City of Los Angeles in the presence of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa. "Today hundreds of American companies in over 40 states and over 180,000 jobs are supported through Airbus' partnership with the US. I wholeheartedly thank the Mayor of Los Angeles for his long-term vision and his continuous support to the aviation industry.

"Airbus also is extremely thankful for the steadfast leadership of City leaders who have made it a priority to modernize LAX to accommodate the newest generation of planes," McArtor added.

"Airbus has proven to be a strong business partner with more than 100 suppliers throughout California. By doubling its direct economic investment, Airbus' commitment to the region is commendable and helps ensure that the aerospace industry remains a strong economic engine here in Southern California where it began. Los Angeles is always on the cutting edge of creativity and innovation, and companies like McStarlite make the city's business community shine," stated Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

"I'm very proud to have McStarlite Company in my district," said Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn. "They are a perfect example of why I've been a tireless advocate for the modernization of LAX. Accommodating the next generation of aircraft is key to providing our own local stimulus package by creating thousands of jobs for this region."

For McStarlite, this new contract means another significant milestone in its long standing partnership with Airbus. The company has a lengthy history of providing precision sheet metal components on other Airbus aircraft, including the A318, A320, A321, A330 and A340. In March 2003, McStarlite Company also was selected by Airbus as their partner for the A380.

"McStarlite Company is proud of its 30 years-plus experience in the aerospace industry, its reputation as a global deep draw forming specialist, and its relationship with Airbus," said John Allen Basso, Vice President of McStarlite Company. "This new contract will not only provide us with additional work for the coming six years, but also will allow us to stay at the cutting edge of new technology by participating in the all new A350 XWB, the new generation aircraft."

More than 100 employees currently work at McStarlite's Harbor City, Calif., plant, and more will be hired in the future to meet increasing aircraft production needs.

For more information about The McStarlite Company, visit the company's Web site at www.mcstarlite.com. For more information about Airbus, visit www.airbusamericas.com.

Airbus is an EADS company.