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.
Continental yesterday reported impressive load factor and unit revenue growth in April, supporting analyst predictions that April was a very strong month for the airline industry. The carrier said its passenger unit revenue was up 12.5%-13.5% for the month, with mainline unit revenue increasing 11.5%-12.5%. Both increases were roughly double the March unit revenue growth, although April benefited from a later Easter than last year.
Leading House Democrats this week raised new concerns about FAA's ability to fund the next-generation air transportation system (NGATS) that is currently being planned, while an independent study has provided fresh detail on the size of the shortfall.
Boeing yesterday announced a blockbuster deal under which the company will take over aircraft parts supplier Aviall for $1.7 billion in cash, spreading Boeing's reach significantly in the supply chain management business.
