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.
A huge order from International Lease Finance Corp. yesterday gave Boeing yet another boost for its 787 program as the manufacturer admitted the strong early demand for the 787-8 and -9 variants has caused it to push back slightly the introduction date for -10.
Boeing announced 46 orders on the first day of the Paris Air Show, including an additional 40 737-900ERs for Indonesian airline Lion Air and also ordered CFM56-7B engines to power the new planes. The powerplant order is valued at $540 million. The new orders bring Lion's total for 737-900ERs to 100, making the airline the largest operator of -300ERs in the world. Lion received the first of the -900ERs in April, and is scheduled to take delivery of another six this year.
Airbus spillled the most ink on the opening day of the Paris Air Show yesterday by signing 339 firm orders and commitments, highlighted by US Airways' decision to stick with the A350 and also buy 60 A320 family aircraft.
