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.
IATA expects the global industry to see a $4.1 billion loss in 2009, down only slightly from the $5.2 billion loss forecast for this year. IATA Director General Giovanni Bisignani admits that forecasting “has never been more difficult” due to the wild swings in oil prices and projections. For example, the 2009 estimate is based on oil at $110 a barrel, but the global industry could break even if oil averages $95 a barrel.
The FAA finds itself at a crossroads as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Seldom in its history has the agency confronted so many questions about its financial future, authority and operational effectiveness. The U.S. government will be forced to address these issues soon, and whatever it does could set the FAA’s direction for the foreseeable future.
