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.
Continental yesterday joined other U.S. major carriers in fulfilling promises to slash capacity if the economy didn’t improve, and the carrier hinted it may take further steps to shore up its position through a merger.
NTSB reports that while there were no fatalities in scheduled Part 121 airlines or Part 135 commuter operators in 2007, fatality numbers were up in the on-demand sector. There were 43 deaths involving on-demand operators, up from 16 in 2006. General aviation accident numbers rose from 1,518 in 2006 to 1,631 in 2007, but fatality numbers dropped 30% to 491 — the lowest fatality total in this category in more than 40 years.
American yesterday revealed another cut to its 2008 capacity estimate and a hiring freeze for some positions as it grapples with a worsening economic outlook, but the carrier also said it will accelerate deliveries of new narrowbody aircraft next year.
