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.
Airlines have been in survival mode since the outbreak of the global financial crisis in 2008. But with signs that the world economy is entering a slow, sustained upswing, the industry is making bold moves that could lead to another order boom for widebody aircraft.
Malaysia-based AirAsia X has launched its long-awaited initial public offering (IPO), which will help the long-haul, low-cost airline carry out its ambitious fleet and network expansion plans. The airline, which is part of the AirAsia group, estimates it will raise RM859 million ($275 million) from the IPO. However, external estimates range up to RM1.3 billion ($415 million). The airline is owned by AirAsia and various investor groups, most of which will see their ownership stake reduced due to a combined share sale and new issuance.
