Adrian is Auckland bureau chief for Aviation Week, based in New Zealand. He covers commercial aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Adrian was previously based in Aviation Week’s Washington office for nine years, writing for a range of the group’s publications and covering many aspects of the commercial aviation industry. He has won Australasian and international awards for his aviation writing.
Prior to joining Aviation Week in 2002, Adrian covered aviation industry and policy issues for two other publishing companies in Washington. He has also worked for newspapers in Texas and New Zealand, covering a wide range of topics. Adrian graduated from Auckland University with a degree in history and English in 1992.
AirAsia X has confirmed an order for 55 Airbus A330neos, despite the fact that it is reducing its short-term fleet expansion. The new firm order follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) announced during the July 2014 Farnborough International Airshow. The MOU covered 50 A330neos, and AirAsia X has added another five aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2018.
Virgin Australia is installing a business-class section in the aircraft it flies between Australia and New Zealand, which will complete the rollout of the premium product across all of the group’s mainline fleet. The upgrade will apply to the 10 Boeing 737-800s in Virgin’s New Zealand-based unit. These aircraft are used for all flights between the two countries, as well as for flights serving the Pacific Islands.
