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 U.S. State Dept. has imposed a $15 million fine on Boeing to settle a violation of arms exporting restrictions that occurred more than three years ago. The violation stems from a chip that Boeing included in exported commercial aircraft between 2001 and 2003. The QRS-11 chip is part of the cockpit standby instrument system (CSIS), and it was on a restricted munitions list that required a U.S. State Dept. license for export. The chip has since been taken off that list, and Boeing still uses it in CSIS equipment on exported aircraft.
A new commercial air route this week will be introduced in Chinese airspace, shaving about 30 minutes from Europe-China flights. IATA played a major role in obtaining approval from the Chinese government for the route with negotiations that began in 2000. The route, to be launched on Thursday, will be known as Y-1 or IATA-1, reflecting IATA's participation. IATA said 110 flights a week will benefit from the improved routing, and airlines will collectively save about $30 million a year in fuel costs.
Air New Zealand is preparing for the launch of its new Shanghai service by negotiating slots and appointing a general manager for China. The airline, which already has approval to fly into Pudong Airport, is "finalizing slot times with a view to begin selling fares in a few months' time." The flights are expected to begin in November, and fares and schedules will be announced after slots have been secured. ANZ will use Boeing 777-200ERs on the Shanghai route.
