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.
A proposed alliance with Virgin Blue —though frowned upon by Australian regulators—represents a key part of Air New Zealand’s strategy to compete with much larger airlines, says Air NZ CEO Rob Fyfe.
Qantas LCC subsidiary Jetstar will become larger than Virgin Blue within five years, predicts Qantas CEO Alan Joyce. He adds that Jetstar is already more profitable than its Australian rival. The two-brand strategy has helped the group cope with economic volatility. “During the global financial crisis, Jetstar was really important to us,” Joyce says. “Now, in the recovery, Qantas is particularly strong.”
