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 case for reforming FAA's funding system has been overstated by the Bush Administration, the senior House Democrat on aviation issues argued yesterday.
Airline analysts yesterday reduced their third-quarter earnings expectations for American after the airline acknowledged revenue growth was lower than expected due to the lingering effects of last month's security scare. American said its consolidated unit revenue is likely to be up 7.1%-8.1% in the third quarter, with mainline unit revenue growing 6.6%-7.6%. The London bomb threat and resulting security restrictions reduced revenue by about $50 million in August and September.
Continental executives yesterday stressed they will continue their recent focus on international growth, although next year's international capacity growth will be at the lower end of the annual growth target because of a shortage of aircraft. Continental intends to grow mainline capacity 5%-7% a year, mostly through more international flying, President Jeff Smisek said during an investor conference yesterday; however, next year, Continental plans to add only 5% capacity, which Smisek admitted will be "at the bottom of our targeted...range."
