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.
Qantas is seeing “no significant dampening” in demand in most of its markets, particularly in the Australian domestic and outbound markets. Exceptions, however, are the U.K. and Japanese markets, where there has been “some softening.” The carrier expects to see profits increase 40% for its 2007/2008 fiscal year. For the first half of its fiscal year through Dec. 31, the airline saw a net profit of A$618 million (US$571.1 million).
Hamilton Sundstrand is continuing to sign up exclusive spare parts agreements with new companies. This week, Hamilton Sundstrand announced agreements with China Eastern, Thai Airways and EVA Airways. In each case, Hamilton will be the exclusive provider of its parts to component repair shops.
Continental yesterday revealed an order for eight Boeing 777s, which will help the carrier handle its new transatlantic and transpacific routes — particularly in light of expected delays to its 787 orders. The 777s are scheduled for delivery between 2009 and 2012, an airline spokesman said. Continental has specified 777-200ERs, but it can change to a different 777 model. As well as the 777 orders, Continental also added 19 more 737 orders.
