CPI Aerostructures Named to Forbes 200 Best Small Companies List

Business Wire, Oct 18, 2005

EDGEWOOD, N.Y. -- CPI Aerostructures, Inc. ("CPI Aero") (AMEX: CVU) today announced that it has been selected as one of the 200 Best Small Companies by Forbes magazine. CPI Aero ranked #99 among the 200 leading small companies in the nation. While CPI Aero ranked 99th in overall ratings this year, we were in 16th place for five year return on equity.

According to Forbes, the list "features solid and consistent hitters that have performed well when measured over the last 12 months and the past five years, and are poised for another growth spurt." To be considered for the Forbes 200 Best Small Companies, companies must have revenue of between $5 million and $750 million; net profit margins must be greater than 5%, and share prices must be above $5 as of September 29, 2005. Rankings were determined based on a combination of criteria, including return on equity, sales and earnings per share growth for one and five years. This year's Forbes list can be viewed online at http://images.forbes.com/lists/2005/23/htm/filter.html?sort=2

Edward J. Fred, CPI Aero's CEO and President, stated, "All of us at CPI Aero are again honored to make this coveted Forbes list and for the recognition of our Company's accomplishments."

Founded in 1980, CPI Aero is engaged in the contract production of structural aircraft parts principally for the U.S. Air Force and other branches of the armed forces. In conjunction with its assembly operations, CPI Aero provides engineering, technical and program management services. Among the key programs that CPI Aero supplies are the C-5A Galaxy cargo jet, the T-38 Talon jet trainer, the A-10 Thunderbolt attack jet, the E-3 Sentry AWACS jet and the MH-60S mine countermeasure helicopter.

The above statements include forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which are described from time to time in CPI Aero's SEC reports, including CPI Aero's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004 and Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005.