Lancaster, PA - May 8th, 2003 - One hundred years after the Wright Brothers turned the key to powered flight, a new offering from Extra Aircraft turned on the excitement at the annual Sun-N-Fun event held earlier this month in Lakeland, Fla..

The Extra EA-500 is the debut aircraft of the newly formed Extra Aircraft, and was introduced to enthusiastic response, according to company officials. The already well-known Extra EA-400 was successfully demonstrated to several potential buyers, as well.

"We had several attendees tell us that the Extra aircraft were the most exciting and promising aircraft at the show," says Ken Weaver, president of Extra Aircraft. "We've gotten very positive feedback -- particularly for our new single-engine turbine, the EA- 500."

"Above and Beyond" is the battle cry of the new Extra Aircraft, as the company debuts its first ever sales and marketing push concurrent with Sun 'n Fun.

And customer deposits are already being accepted on the EA-500, with certification expected in a few short months, according to Weaver. The aircraft fully equipped with EFIS and the latest avionics, is priced at $1.495 million.

"We're optimistic," Weaver said. "Early indications are that orders will outpace initial supply."

Among the attractions of the EA-500 is its outstanding performance and economy without compromise to the aircraft's excellent comfort and handling characteristics.

The EA-500 owes its Rolls Royce 450 SHP turbine engine and MT Propeller 5 bladed, reversible composite prop design to company founder, Walter Extra. In fact, Walter Extra's goal in designing the 500 was to find the perfect blend of performance and economy. The immediate benefits to owners: faster take-offs, better climb rates, speed and shorter landing distances through Beta reverse.

"Freedom, luxury and the pure joy of flying. It's all there in the EA-500," says Weaver. "We think it will set the standard in a new class of turbine-powered aircraft."

Extra Aircraft, of course, is the U.S. sales and marketing arm of Extra Flugzeugbau, the German aircraft manufacturer. The company has a long and well-known reputation in the aerobatic aircraft segment, having launched the business/touring class of aircraft in more recent years.

Additional information may be found at the company website www.ExtraAircraft.com.

About Extra Aircraft, Inc.

Company Website: http://www.ExtraAircraft.com

Extra Aircraft Press Contact: Jennifer Barrett McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations email: jhamilton@mpf.com voice: (615) 259-4000

Copyright 2003 - Extra Aircraft, Inc.