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.
Cathay Pacific is boosting capacity significantly on five routes, including its long-haul flights to Paris and Milan. The airline is increasing its Hong Kong-Milan service from four flights a week to daily, beginning July 1. Cathay says demand has been “encouraging” since it introduced this flight last March. Three more weekly Paris flights will be added from March 27, bringing this service to a twice-daily frequency.
Japanese low-cost carrier Skymark Airlines signed a contract firming up an order for four Airbus A380s Feb. 18 in Toulouse (Aviation Daily, Feb. 17). The order, which follows a memorandum of understanding announced in November, makes Skymark the first carrier in Japan to add the super jumbo aircraft to its fleet. An Airbus spokeswoman says the deal includes the two options that were included in the MOU.
Qantas says the grounding of its Airbus A380 fleet earlier this year due to engine problems will cost at least AU$80 million ($80.3 million), although the carrier claims its public image has recovered quickly. The carrier estimates the economic impact of the groundings was AU$55 million in its fiscal first half through Dec. 31, and another AU$25 million in the current six-month period. This does not include an estimated AU$100 million in aircraft and engine damage that is covered by insurance and existing agreements with engine maker Rolls-Royce.
