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 FAA is making progress in rolling out its much-maligned en route air traffic control system, which is now operational at nine ATC facilities across the country. The en route automation modernization (ERAM) system has achieved initial operating capability (IOC) at seven of FAA’s en route centers, says Chris Metts, who heads the agency’s Program Management Organization. ERAM is being used to handle live traffic at these locations for limited periods. This is in addition to the first two sites, where the system is being used continuously.
While the FAA highlights early successes from NextGen air traffic modernization program, a senior aerospace executive says this should not detract from the need for more sweeping changes in the long term, or the potential danger of funding cuts.
Maintenance outsourcing plays an increasingly important role in the business model of airlines around the world. Cathay Pacific Airways has a unique perspective on outsourcing, having taken the concept further than almost any other carrier. Cathay's Engineering Director Christopher Gibbs talks to Aviation Week's Adrian Schofield about the challenges and benefits of an outsourced maintenance model and Cathay's relationship with long-time MRO provider, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. (Haeco).
