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.
The U.S. Labor Dept. last week proposed $231,000 in fines against American for "multiple serious, repeat and willful" OSHA violations, although the airline will likely argue against some of the claims. OSHA inspectors found more than 20 violations during inspections of ramp services, a cargo building, automotive shops, ticket and gate facilities, hangars and baggage room at Chicago O'Hare. American was selected for inspection after a review of its "occupational injury and illness data," OSHA said.
The rhetoric surrounding China flight awards has reached new - but hardly unexpected - heights as airlines file follow-ups to their initial applications, attempting to highlight the deficiencies of their competitors. Delta and US Airways took shots at the airlines that are offering competing claims for the two new-entrant China route awards scheduled to begin this year and in 2009. Mud was also thrown in the fierce five-way battle for the three additional 2009 awards which are open to incumbent carriers.
The Air Transport Association says its new ticket tax proposal has advantages built in for passengers flying from small communities. The distance-based fee that is a key part of the ATA proposal uses Great Circle Miles, which means the trip distance is calculated between origin and destination without factoring in connecting stops. This puts passengers from small communities "on equal footing with passengers who can fly directly between major markets," ATA says.
