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.
Industry groups are faulting the Obama administration for not increasing airport grant money in the Fiscal 2010 budget, and are also concerned about the elimination of funding for a small community air service program. While the Fiscal 2010 budget increases FAA funding overall, the administration is requesting that the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) receives the same amount as last year. The 2010 budget recommends $3.5 billion for AIP, which is equal to the Fiscal 2009 amount if $1.1 billion in 2009 stimulus funding is deducted.
The Obama administration is poised to resurrect the debate over user fees for commercial aviation, although it stresses it will not pursue unpopular policies such as airport congestion pricing and slot auctions.
While the Obama administration says it will not pursue unpopular aviation policies such as airport congestion pricing and slot auctions, it is leaving the door open for the introduction of user fees to help pay for air traffic control.
