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.
Japanese airline ANA this week confirmed it has signed a deal with cargo carrier ABX that will see ABX operate two aircraft for ANA; this is the first time the Japanese government has allowed a foreign carrier to conduct cargo operations for a Japanese airline. Under the wet-lease deal, ABX will fly two Boeing 767-200s for ANA. The deal is initially for two years with an option for annual renewals. ABX will support ANA cargo operations throughout Asia, including Japan, China and Thailand.
Continental yesterday reported that April's consolidated unit revenue was essentially flat compared with the same month last year, while load factor sank slightly. Mainline unit revenue was up by 0.5%-1.5%, which the airline said was in line with its expectations. Continental believes the demand outlook is strong, with second-quarter load factors keeping pace with last year's record levels.
Senate lawmakers are this week expected to release FAA reauthorization legislation including a new -- but no less controversial -- twist on user fees, and also containing new passenger rights protections. The draft bill proposes a flat fee or "surcharge" of $25 per flight for all aviation system users except piston-engine aircraft or any aircraft operating under visual flight rules. The fee would presumably cover corporate aviation -- which had been excluded from the Administration's earlier user-fee proposal.
