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.
Japanese media are reporting that Japan Airlines and Australia’s Jetstar have agreed to establish a low-cost carrier joint venture, although the two airlines are not confirming the reports. According to Nikkei and Reuters, the two carriers will announce a joint venture this month. Each company would have a 30% stake, with other investors being sought, the reports say. The carrier would initially fly domestic routes, and launch next year.
Qantas says it will have to delay or cancel some flights on July 5 due to strike action by its engineers' union. The Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) plans rolling two-hour strikes this week, and these will affect Perth Airport on July 5. This means the airline will ground Boeing 737s in its mainline operation during the work stoppage, causing “a small number” of domestic flights to be canceled and delays of up to 90 min. on others.
Qantas engineers are launching targeted strikes in response to an impasse in contract negotiations, although the engineers’ union is encouraging off-duty members to offer to work overtime during the strikes. Two-hour rolling work stoppages will begin in Melbourne on July 4, during school holidays in Australia. The Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) has told its members to expect more such strikes over the next few weeks if talks with the airline do not progress. Contract negotiations are due to continue this week.
