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.
The Australian government has ended decades of prevarication by deciding that a second Sydney airport will be built in the city’s western suburbs, although many questions relating to investment still need to be answered. Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed that the airport will be built at the Badgerys Creek site that was considered the favorite among a handful of options. The government bought land for an airport at that site in the late 1980s, but political bickering since then has stalled the decision to build there.
While FAA continues to progress on the ground infrastructure for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), nearly 98% of general aviation aircraft have yet to equip with approved systems. FAA in May 2010 gave a 2020 deadline for all aircraft that fly above 10,000 ft. msl or in Class B or C airspace to install approved equipment for ADS-B Out.
Launching international flights remains on the agenda for U.S. low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, but it will probably not occur until 2015, airline president Andrew Levy says. “We definitely will serve international destinations,” Levy tells Aviation Week. While the carrier has previously discussed beginning overseas service this year, next year is more likely, he says. Vacation destinations in Mexico – particularly Cancun – are the top prospects, with flights to Canada and the Caribbean longer-term possibilities.
