[LOGO] AIRSPAN
                                                                   PRESS RELEASE

                        AIRSPAN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF
                   RANDALL E. CURRAN TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOCA RATON, FLA. - OCTOBER 18, 2004 -- Airspan Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRN), a
leading worldwide provider of broadband wireless access networks, including
WiMAX-standard systems, today announced the appointment of Randall E. Curran as
a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

Curran most recently served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ICG
Communications Inc. ("ICG"), a facilities-based communications provider of
Internet and voice communication services, since September 2000. He joined the
Board of Directors of ICG in October 2002. Curran was formerly Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Thermadyne Holdings Corporation
("Thermadyne"). From 1995 to 2000, Curran also held several other executive
positions at Thermadyne including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial
Officer. Prior to joining Thermadyne, Curran held various finance positions with
Cooper Industries, Inc., McGraw-Edison Co., and Arthur Andersen & Co. He
graduated from DePauw University with a B.A., Economics in 1976, and from Loyola
University of Chicago with an MBA in 1982. He also holds a CPA certification.

"We are very pleased that Randall has agreed to join the Airspan Board," said
Matt Desch, Chairman of the Board of Airspan. "His experience in manufacturing
and telecommunications, coupled with his deep financial background, will help
support Airspan's continued growth and strengthen our governance processes."

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Randall E Curran Appointment - page 2

ABOUT AIRSPAN NETWORKS INC.

Airspan  Networks  provides  wireless  voice  and data  systems  and  solutions,
including Voice Over IP (VoIP), to both licensed and unlicensed operators around
the world in frequency  bands between 700 MHz and 6 GHz,  including both PCS and
3.5GHz  international bands. Airspan has a strong product evolution roadmap that
includes  offerings  compliant  with  the new  802.16-2004  standard,  and  with
built-in 802.16e capability. Airspan is on the Board and a founder member of the
WiMAX Forum.  The Company has  deployments  with more than 200 operators in more
than 70 countries. Airspan's systems are based on radio technology that delivers
excellent  area  coverage,  high security and  resistance  to fading.  Airspan's
systems can be deployed  rapidly and cost  effectively,  providing an attractive
alternative to traditional wired  communications  networks.  Airspan also offers
radio planning, network installation, integration, training and support services
to  facilitate  the  deployment  and  operation  of  its  systems.   Airspan  is
headquartered  in Boca  Raton,  Florida  with  its  main  operations  center  in
Uxbridge, United Kingdom.

More information on Airspan can be found at http://www.airspan.com

This press release  contains  forward-looking  statements  within the meaning of
Section 27A of the  Securities  Act of 1933 and  Section  21E of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts,
including  statements  regarding  our  strategy,  future  operations,  financial
position, future revenues,  projected costs, prospects,  plans and objectives of
management,   may  be  deemed  to  be  forward-looking   statements.  The  words
"anticipates,"  "believes,"  "estimates,"  "expects," "intends," "may," "plans,"
"projects,"  "will,"  "would" and  similar  expressions  or negative  variations
thereof are intended to identify  forward-looking  statements,  although not all
forward-looking  statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually
achieve the plans,  intentions or expectations  disclosed in our forward-looking
statements  and you  should  not place  undue  reliance  on our  forward-looking
statements.  There are a number of  important  factors  that could cause  actual
results  or  events  to  differ  materially  from  the  plans,   intentions  and
expectations disclosed in the forward-looking  statements we make. Investors and
others are  therefore  cautioned  that a variety of factors,  including  certain
risks,  may affect our business and cause  actual  results to differ  materially
from  those set forth in the  forward-looking  statements.  The  Company is also
subject  to the  risks  and  uncertainties  described  in its  filings  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year  ended  December  31,  2003.  You should  read  those  factors as being
applicable  to all related  forward-looking  statements  wherever they appear in
this  press   release.   We  do  not  assume  any   obligation   to  update  any
forward-looking statements.

FOR INVESTMENT INQUIRIES, CONTACT:
AIRSPAN NETWORKS INC:
Peter Aronstam
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +1 561 893-8682
Fax: +1 561 893-8671
Email: paronstam@airspan.com
