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.
American yesterday reported a hefty second-quarter loss about the same size as last year’s, and while the demand picture is still bleak, the carrier sees a few positives emerging. The quarterly net loss was $390 million, and $319 million excluding special items. This compares to a $298 million ex-special item loss in the same period last year. Including special items, last year’s net loss was $1.5 billion — although $1.1 billion of that was a one-off charge due to the write-down of asset values.
FAA is conducting a three-year study to highlight the long-term cost to airlines of maintenance personnel fatigue. This research is intended to help build a cost-benefit analysis showing potential savings from avoiding problems associated with tired mechanics. It could also be used in crafting new policies. Representatives from airlines and unions will be involved in the study.
The Senate yesterday introduced its long-awaited FAA reauthorization bill, including some controversial elements from the House version but rejecting others, such as a review of airline alliances.
