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.
A massive Boeing 787 purchase agreement, encompassing up to 100 aircraft, represents a timely show of strength for both American Airlines and Boeing. The deal signals that growth opportunities still exist for the two industry giants despite the manufacturer’s labor turmoil and the airline’s financial struggles.
Continental decided to defer 16 more aircraft deliveries in response to uncertain market conditions, and it expects the Boeing strike to cause at least four deliveries to be postponed this year. The airline had already decided in October to defer two Boeing 777s scheduled for 2009 to 2010. It has now also reached an agreement with Boeing to postpone 16 737 deliveries due in 2009 and 2010 to 2011 and beyond. The revised delivery schedule for next year now comprises 14 737s, with 12 737s, two 777s and two 787s slated for delivery in 2010.
American yesterday revealed a long-awaited purchase agreement covering up to 100 Boeing 787-9s, which the carrier plans to use mainly to replace 767s and Airbus A300s. The agreement — which has yet to be finalized — includes 42 orders and purchase rights for an additional 58. The initial 42 aircraft are slated for delivery between 2012 and 2018. American executives say they have the option to transfer the 52 purchase rights to another variant of the 787. These aircraft would be delivered from 2015 to 2020.
