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 is expecting its mainline unit revenue to be down by 16%-17% in the second quarter, and although this is a large drop, analysts note it is not quite as steep as the declines projected by competitors United and Delta. According to American’s latest update, consolidated unit revenue is estimated to be down 16.2%-17.2% for the quarter. The cash balance will be essentially unchanged versus the first quarter, with the airline expected to end the second quarter with $3.3 billion in cash and short-term investments.
Japan Airlines says a new business plan it is developing will include dramatic cost cuts, and could mean further downsizing of its international and domestic networks. The carrier last week said it is “constructing a medium term corporate plan that will see drastic reformation to its business model and processes.” The plan is due to be completed later this year, but the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism asked for an outline.
In one of his first personnel moves, new FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt has selected Continental veteran David Grizzle as the next FAA chief counsel. Babbitt was officially sworn in this week, and told FAA employees that the Obama administration has given him “free rein” in making his appointments. While these are typically seen as political assignments, Babbitt stressed he wants to find people who know a lot about the aviation industry and what FAA does. This position must be confirmed by the Senate.
