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.
While Boeing 787-9 launch customer Air New Zealand will receive three of the new model this year, there will be a significant gap before its next wave of -9 deliveries. The airline is set to receive its first stretched version of the 787 in July. The next is expected a few months later, and the carrier will have three by the end of 2014. Other carriers are also due to receive 787-9s during this period, with All Nippon Airways likely to be the next to take its first delivery after Air New Zealand.
Three more major air traffic management organizations are joining Nav Canada in buying stakes in Aireon, a satellite-based surveillance system which could extend ATM coverage over oceanic airspace. Aireon recently announced it has reached investment agreements with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Denmark’s Naviair and Italy’s ENAV. Not only are they buying stakes in Aireon, they will also be customers for the new service.
The 2014 outlook for Australia’s airline industry will be shaped by actions Qantas takes in its latest campaign to boost its flagging financial performance. The airline has indicated some significant changes are being considered, including structural changes. The government’s response to the carrier’s plight will also be important, with Qantas pushing for regulatory relief that could raise foreign investment caps.
