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.
FAA and the controllers union yesterday exchanged their final contract proposals, and at press time there was no indication of what further steps either side is going to take. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association indicated last week that the exchange of proposals marks the end of negotiations, although FAA disputed that conclusion (DAILY, April 3). If FAA decides impasse has been reached it is likely to send its proposal to Congress for lawmakers to consider, and NATCA is expected to try to get the Federal Service Impasses Panel to take action.
Avion Group yesterday said it has bought seven Boeing 747-400s, most of which will be converted to cargo aircraft and flown by Avion's wet-lease operator, Air Atlanta Icelandic (AAI). Avion bought six passenger 747s and one cargo version, with one coming from Cargolux and the remainder from All Nippon Airways. Four of the passenger aircraft will be converted to cargo and introduced to the AAI fleet along with the single cargo aircraft. The two remaining passenger aircraft will go to Avion's charter carrier, Excel Airways.
An impressive 88.1% increase in fourth-quarter net profit helped drive Embraer's 2005 profit to a record $445.7 million, and the manufacturer also highlighted its strong cash position and order book.
