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.
Airlines are growing increasingly frustrated with U.K. airport operator BAA, as passenger screening delays are expected once again to prevent carriers from resuming their full flight schedules at London Heathrow. BAA promised travelers there would be fewer cancellations today, although British Airways expects to operate only 80% of its Heathrow schedule, the same level as Monday. Airline executives are lambasting BAA for not committing enough resources to deal with the tighter security requirements imposed after last week's bomb scare.
Atlas yesterday reported a decline in second-quarter profits, with higher unit revenues only partially offsetting lower demand for 747-200 flying, but the carrier is upbeat about its traditionally stronger third quarter. Net profit totaled $10.7 million, down from $15.9 million last year. The third quarter will benefit from the "seasonal pick-up" that leads to the holiday peak season that typically begins in September and runs through mid-December. In addition, Atlas' base rate for military flying is set to increase by 5% on Oct. 1.
Boeing and Russian company VSMPO-AVISMA last week created a joint venture to machine titanium forgings for Boeing commercial aircraft, specifically the 787.
