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 legislative revamp of U.S. commercial aviation policy has taken a major step forward with the Senate’s approval of an FAA reauthorization bill. However, serious horse-trading with House lawmakers will be needed to iron out controversial clauses that alarm industry leaders and threaten to stall the bill yet again.
The airport industry applauded the House for passing a bill on March 24 that would extend the alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief for private activity bonds. The measure extends AMT relief — part of earlier economic stimulus legislation — through 2011. The provision has “made a significant difference” in the airport bond market, said Airports Council International-North America President Greg Principato. The Senate is expected to vote on this issue in April.
A proposed amendment to the House FAA reauthorization bill will allow pilot safety legislation to be added, and will also reassert the standing of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House-Senate conference process.
