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.
It looks like it’s finally a good time to be a U.S. legacy airline again. Carriers are cashing in on strong demand, fueling optimism about the crucial summer travel season. Second-quarter results show Delta bouncing to a healthy profit just a few months after emerging from bankruptcy, while American has managed to increase its earnings despite weather headaches. Continental also saw solid gains. Only low-cost giant Southwest has bucked the trend so far, with a significant slide in profits.
ATA Airlines parent Global Aero Logistics has taken a giant step forward in its move to take over World Air Holdings -- the parent of North American Airlines and World Airways -- although the merger is worrying pilots at the three carriers. World Air shareholders voted almost unanimously to approve the takeover, which still needs the approval of the U.S. Transportation Dept. Meanwhile, the respective pilot unions warn they will not tolerate any efforts to move flying or personnel among the three carriers.
Continental yesterday revealed a significant reduction in its planned capacity growth for next year, due mainly to the airline's decision to sell 15 Boeing 737-500s. The airline's mainline capacity is now expected to grow 3%-4% in 2008, compared with earlier projections of 5%-7%. JP Morgan analyst Jamie Baker welcomed the move, as it represents "a refreshing change for a management not particularly versed in the art of supply discipline." Mainline capacity is expected to be up 5% this year.
