Aug. 1--Astronics Corp. shares are flying high this morning after the aircraft parts maker reported a 13.3 percent surge in second-quarter profits, nearly double analysts' expectations.

The East Aurora-based company said strong orders for its aircraft electronics systems gave it a profit of 60 cents per share, up from 53 cents a year ago -- and soundly beating Wall Street's consensus estimate of 31 cents.

Astronics shares surged 31 percent to more than $19 early today, having ended at $14.60 on Thursday.

Strong parts orders for corporate and military jets show that those aircraft makers are shrugging off concerns about the economy and high fuel prices, Astronics said.

fwilliams@buffnews.com

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