BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 28, 2008 — Esterline Corporation (NYSE/ESL www.esterline.com), a leading specialty manufacturer serving aerospace/defense markets, today reported fiscal 2008 first quarter (ended February 1) net earnings of $31.0 million, or $1.04 per diluted share. Year-ago net earnings were $12.8 million, or $.49 per diluted share. First quarter 2008 net earnings include $6.9 million in tax benefits and a $1.9 million gain associated with the termination of an interest rate swap; first quarter 2007 net earnings included a $2.1 million tax benefit. Sales in the 2008 first quarter were a record $372.4 million compared with $257.2 million a year ago.