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 Air Transport Association yesterday briefed Senate lawmakers about why FAA's controversial aviation funding overhaul doesn't go far enough, while the National Business Aviation Association argued that the FAA's proposal goes way too far. The basic positions of ATA and NBAA are well known, but the groups revealed fresh details during a hearing held by the Senate Commerce Committee. Also testifying were the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Cargo Airline Association.
US Airways this week said unit revenue increased in February, although the improvement was limited by the operational effects of severe winter storms in the middle of the month. The "length and severity" of the storms meant unit revenue was lower than expected, and unit costs were higher, said President Scott Kirby. They caused a "decline in close-in bookings and traffic, particularly on short-haul markets in the Northeast," Kirby said. The airline would not divulge specific unit revenue or cost numbers.
British Airways predicts its revenue will increase by 4%-5% this year, but fuel cost will also rise significantly, the airline told investors yesterday. BA said its fuel bill for the 2007/2008 fiscal year will increase by about GBP100 million (US$193.2 million). Total costs, excluding fuel, will be up by about GBP50 million; however, the airline is still on track to achieve a 10% operating margin for the year.
