Astronics Corporation Honored with Best In-Seat Power Technology Award at 2025 PAX Readership Awards in Hamburg
Astronics Corporation, a recognized leader in advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense, and mission-critical sectors, has added another accolade to its growing list of achievements. The company proudly announced today that its cutting-edge EmPower® UltraLite G2 Power System has been awarded the Technology Award for Best In-Seat Power Solution at the 2025 PAX Readership Awards Ceremony, held during the prestigious Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
This award stands as a testament to Astronics’ dedication to engineering excellence, innovation, and customer-focused design. Selected by readers of PAX Tech, a leading publication in the aviation interiors space, the Technology Award spotlights products that have made a significant impact on passenger experience and operational efficiency in the airline industry.
A Milestone in Cabin Power Innovation
First introduced to the market at the 2022 Aircraft Interiors Expo, the EmPower® UltraLite G2 Power System has since reshaped expectations for in-seat power technology. Designed with both performance and sustainability in mind, the UltraLite G2 system delivers superior efficiency, flexibility, and functionality — all within a compact, lightweight form factor. Its design has been lauded not only for its technical ingenuity but also for its strategic alignment with airline sustainability initiatives.
Currently, over 1,500 narrow-body aircraft are slated to be equipped with the UltraLite G2 system, with hundreds already featuring the technology in daily operations. Airlines have praised the system’s 30% to 40% weight reduction compared to previous generations, a significant improvement that directly contributes to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions. For an industry under increasing pressure to meet environmental goals, this advancement is both timely and impactful.
Game-Changing Architecture and Capabilities
What truly differentiates the UltraLite G2 is its distributed zonal architecture, which utilizes high-efficiency 800W power supplies that operate at over 93% efficiency. This architecture intelligently distributes power throughout the cabin and incorporates advanced system intelligence at each seat, ensuring not only reliable performance but also streamlined maintenance and system monitoring. The result is a power solution that retains the proven reliability of traditional architectures while introducing a host of enhanced features that support modern passenger needs.
Another critical advantage of the system is its adaptability. The UltraLite G2 is one of the few in-seat power solutions on the market that is approved for both linefit and retrofit installations, giving airlines greater flexibility in fleet upgrades and new aircraft deliveries. Each seat can be configured to deliver up to 60W of power, supporting high-demand devices such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones. The system also includes USB Type-A and the latest USB Type-C outlets, reflecting Astronics’ forward-thinking approach to future-proofing its product lines.
This level of customization allows airlines to tailor power availability to different seating classes or route needs — a key benefit as passenger expectations for onboard connectivity and charging options continue to rise.
Leadership Recognition and Customer Focus
Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering world-class cabin technology.
We are honored to receive this award from PAX Tech,” said Neal. “This recognition, along with our strong order book and legacy of innovation, affirms our market leadership in cabin power. Beyond the technology itself, our dedication to customer and product support ensures that airlines selecting this system will receive a reliable, long-term solution for cabin in-seat power.”
Indeed, Astronics’ reputation for robust customer support has played a crucial role in building its long-standing relationships with airlines, OEMs, and aircraft completion centers. The company’s approach extends beyond simply selling a product — it encompasses comprehensive engineering support, integration expertise, and after-sales service that ensures long-term operational success for customers worldwide.
Supporting Industry-Wide Sustainability Goals
As the aviation sector continues to embrace ambitious sustainability targets, Astronics is positioning itself as an enabler of environmentally responsible air travel. By introducing solutions like the UltraLite G2, which directly reduce aircraft weight and improve electrical efficiency, the company is helping its customers make meaningful progress toward carbon neutrality goals.
Furthermore, the UltraLite G2 aligns with broader trends in cabin modernization, where weight savings, modularity, and passenger experience enhancements converge. For airlines focused on both reducing operational costs and improving customer satisfaction, Astronics offers a compelling value proposition.
A Legacy of Innovation
For more than five decades, Astronics Corporation has built a strong foundation of trust and innovation in the aerospace industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company works closely with global airframe manufacturers, commercial airlines, military customers, and aerospace suppliers to develop solutions that solve complex engineering challenges.
Its product portfolio includes aircraft power and connectivity systems, lighting and safety systems, avionics, structures, and test systems, among others. With deep domain expertise and a collaborative approach to product development, Astronics continues to anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
Whether it’s improving passenger power access, enhancing in-flight entertainment systems, or enabling real-time aircraft diagnostics, Astronics remains at the forefront of aviation technology. The UltraLite G2 is a perfect example of this innovation in action — a product that combines elegant engineering, environmental responsibility, and user-focused design.
With its latest award win, Astronics reaffirms its role as a driving force in the transformation of aircraft cabin experiences. The recognition from PAX Tech and its readership validates the company’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aircraft power systems.
As the aviation industry navigates a post-pandemic recovery and moves toward a more digital, efficient, and sustainable future, Astronics’ EmPower UltraLite G2 Power System will undoubtedly be a key part of that journey — delivering power where passengers need it most, without compromise.
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and mission-critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Working closely with customers, Astronics integrates a broad array of technologies — including electrical power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and testing systems — to solve real-world challenges. For over 50 years, the company has maintained a strong reputation for technical excellence, responsiveness, and customer service. Today, its products are trusted by global airframe manufacturers, airlines, military forces, completion centers, and Fortune 500 companies around the world.
