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.
Although Qantas Airways’ dire earnings predictions have triggered a damaging credit downgrade, it appears that it has not spurred the Australian government into bailout mode. Qantas has been lobbying the government for some form of financial or regulatory assistance. However, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has indicated that direct government subsidies or loan guarantees are unlikely.
Qantas Airways has announced plans for drastic cost-cutting—including 1,000 job losses—in a move that significantly raises the stakes in the carrier’s quest for government assistance.
Low-cost carrier Tigerair Australia is significantly boosting its operations at Brisbane Airport, in the latest indication of what form its expansion will take after being taken over by Virgin Australia. Tigerair is establishing Brisbane as its third base, and will launch three new routes from the city. It will add two Airbus A320s to its fleet in March and April, which will both be based in Brisbane. This will increase its total fleet from 11 to 13.
