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.
Cathay Pacific is expanding its cargo network, and will launch a new flight serving two new U.S. destinations, giving it a total of eight. The new U.S. flight will operate a Hong Kong-Anchorage-Miami-Houston route, returning to Hong Kong via Anchorage, three times a week. Cathay will use a Boeing 747-400ERF. This represents the first direct cargo route between Hong Kong and Miami, according to Cathay. The carrier already serves New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Automated boarding gates—similar to those used in subway stations—will be introduced at several airports this year, as part of a global airline initative to streamline passenger flow and reduce costs.
Ratings agency Moody’s downgraded British Airways’ credit rating below investment grade, highlighting the worsening outlook for the carrier. Moody’s noted BA’s increased capital expenditure plans, the weak condition of the industry, and recent profit warnings from the airline. Standard & Poor’s is also considering changing its rating, having placed BA on “Creditwatch with negative implications.” BA said the Moody’s downgrade “reflects the extremely difficult trading conditions but highlights the strength of our cash position and committed borrowing facilities.”
