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.
United yesterday revealed that it made a profit of $141 million -- excluding special items -- for the second quarter, a dramatic turnaround from last year's $26 million loss and a better result than analysts had predicted.
British Airways yesterday dampened rumors that the airline is planning to sell off either its regional operation BA Connect or its Air Miles subsidiary to help close the massive deficit in its major pension plan. U.K. newspapers reported that an actuarial review that is close to being completed will show that the size of the pension deficit is nearly GBP2 billion (US$3.7 billion) -- essentially double the last actuarial review undertaken three years ago. There was also media speculation that BA will attempt to sell some of its most valuable subsidiaries.
Singapore Airlines last week surprised industry watchers with its decision to order Airbus A350s -- only a month after placing an order for Boeing's 787 -- and the airline also provided a shot in the arm for the A380 program by ordering another nine of the superjumbos.
