HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Passengers aboard the
new Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be able to darken or lighten their windows at
the touch of a button for more comfortable travel. Global aircraft window
leader PPG Aerospace has been awarded a contract by the Boeing Company to
supply electronically dimmable systems for the windows of the 787's passenger
compartment.
    "Bringing innovation to the marketplace is a core strength at PPG, which
is why the aerospace industry is so important to our company," said Charles E.
Bunch, chairman and chief executive officer of PPG Industries. "Aircraft
manufacturers and their customers are continually seeking opportunities to
improve performance, and we're delighted to help them meet their technology
requirements."
    According to David Morris, PPG Aerospace vice president, the Boeing 787
will be the first commercial aviation application for electrochromic window
technology.
    "We are excited about providing Boeing the latest innovation in the
transparencies world that promises to revolutionize air travel on its new
Dreamliner," Morris said.
    "PPG has explored variable-transmittance window technology for aircraft
over several years. The culmination of this effort is our involvement in the
787 Dreamliner. Together we are meeting the needs of the public for more
enjoyable travel and helping airlines enhance their operating efficiency.  We
are especially pleased that we will be introducing a new type of window
component on such a technologically advanced airplane as the 787."
    The value of the contract is about $50 million over the first five years,
according to Morris.
    Under a separate related agreement, PPG Aerospace and Gentex Corporation,
the Zeeland, Mich.-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors
and commercial fire protection products, will work together to produce the
variably dimmable electrochromic cabin window systems for the Boeing 787.
Morris said that the PPG-Gentex relationship capitalizes on the individual
strengths of two industry leaders in order to create and commercialize the new
technology at a faster pace than either could do alone.
    "PPG brings its unmatched aircraft transparency expertise to Boeing as
well as the world's airlines," Morris said.
    "We have the knowledge and systems in place to successfully supply the
electrochromic transparencies.  Importantly, we understand the requirements
for a transparency operating in an aircraft environment in order to be
qualified. In addition, we have the infrastructure and experience needed to
provide airlines with direct worldwide product support and sales service in
the aftermarket."
    Gentex brings its patented electrochromic technology, as well as expertise
in electronics and microelectronics, that will be utilized in the window
panels and control systems, according to Garth Deur, Gentex executive vice
president.
    "This is a start for Gentex, in a new industry, and offers us the ability
to leverage some of the research and development dollars we have invested over
the years in the development of this unique variably dimming technology."
    Electrochromic panel prototypes will be provided to Boeing in early 2006,
and first production units for evaluation are due by mid-2006. First articles
are expected to be produced for flight evaluation by the fourth quarter of
2006, according to Morris.  Volume shipments are expected to begin in mid- to
late 2007.
    The passenger-cabin windows on the Boeing 787 will be almost 25 percent
larger than those on the Boeing 777, Morris noted.
    The electrochromic transparencies will allow passengers to adjust the
amount of light transmitted to five different levels from dark to clear, with
a manual override for use by the flight crew. The dimmable window panels will
be inserted between the exterior cabin window and interior plastic dust cover.
    Morris noted that the new window systems will not only provide light
control, but also enhance the interior appearance and comfort of the aircraft.
    "Passengers will be able to control the amount of solar energy that enters
the cabin to reduce solar light and heat transmittance for more comfort, and
there will be less stress on the heating and air conditioning system," Morris
said. "Because there will be no window shades, interior space will be more
attractive."
    Electrochromic technology uses electricity to darken an electrically
conductive medium between two layers of glass. Turning off the electricity
bleaches, or lightens, the medium.

    About PPG Aerospace
    PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG
Industries. PPG Aerospace - Transparencies is the world's largest supplier of
aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace - PRC-DeSoto is the
leading global producer of aerospace sealants, coatings, and packaging and
application systems.
    PPG is the sole source to Boeing for cockpit windows on the Boeing 737,
767 and 777 airplanes.

    About PPG Industries
    In addition to its aerospace business, Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries
(NYSE: PPG) is a global supplier of glass, coatings, fiber glass and
chemicals, with 2004 sales of US$9.5 billion.

    About Gentex Corporation
    Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (Nasdaq: GNTX) is an international
company that provides high-quality electro-optic products to the worldwide
automotive industry and North American fire protection market.  Based in
Zeeland, Mich., the company develops, manufactures and markets interior and
exterior automatic-dimming rearview mirrors that utilize proprietary
electrochromic technology to dim in proportion to the amount of headlight
glare from trailing vehicle headlamps.  Many of the mirrors are sold with
advanced electronic features, and approximately 95 percent of the company's
revenues are derived from the sales of auto-dimming mirrors to nearly every
major automaker in the world.

    About the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
    The 787 is a family of three super-efficient airplanes that will provide
passengers with a better flying experience. The airplanes will feature
significant improvements in passenger amenities including cleaner air, bigger
windows, a lower cabin altitude and higher humidity. Detailed design of the
787 is under way with production scheduled to start in 2006. First flight is
planned for 2007 with deliveries beginning in 2008.

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