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.
Boeing yesterday announced 900 layoffs at its Wichita facility, and the company said it will change the focus of the Wichita operation. The layoffs are mainly salaried and management support workers in the Integrated Defense Systems division, and some hourly employees. Of the total, 360 will be cut by June 19, with another 240 by the end of July and 300 in November. Boeing will employ 2,700 people in Wichita by the start of 2007.
U.K. airport operator BAA revealed it recently rejected a GBP9.4 billion (US$16.6 billion) takeover bid from Goldman Sachs that was much higher than an earlier offer from Spain's Grupo Ferrovial. The confirmation of the Goldman Sachs bid highlights the level of international interest that BAA is attracting at the moment. This level of enthusiasm helps explain why the BAA board believes an acceptable bid value has not yet been proposed by either of the suitors. Market analysts believe one or both consortiums will return with a higher offer soon.
Ameco Beijing signed a deal earlier this month to provide surveillance modifications for the company's majority owner, Air China. Under the deal, Ameco will provide elementary surveillance (ELS)/enhanced surveillance (EHS) modifications for 22 Boeing 747-400s and 777s. Modification work will begin in July, and is expected to be completed in March, 2007. Ameco said this is the first time it has undertaken an engineering retrofit program under FAA supplemental type certificate and CAAC validation of supplemental type certificate.
