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.
Although demand is improving, the International Air Transport Association said the airline industry’s overall financial outlook has deteriorated since its last estimate three months ago. IATA now predicts airlines will collectively lose $5.6 billion in 2010, compared with the $3.8 billion deficit the group projected in its September update. IATA Chief Economist Brian Pearce blamed the worsening outlook on rising fuel prices, and greater concern over airline yields.
A new compromise over access to Tokyo Haneda Airport addresses some U.S. airline concerns, but bureaucratic battles still seem likely next year, when carriers compete for the handful of slots allocated for U.S. flights.
IATA today is expected to release a new industry financial forecast that takes into account rising passenger and cargo demand, offset by lower yields and revenue. IATA is not expected to make much of an adjustment to its $11 billion loss estimate for 2009, but the full-year 2010 forecast will likely be revised.
