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.
EasyJet yesterday signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 more A319s. The latest contract will bring EasyJet's A319 firm order total to 140, strengthening its position as the largest customer in Europe for A320 family aircraft. EasyJet described the orders as the "latest tranche" in an earlier agreement to take 240 A319s. The latest aircraft ordered will seat 156 passengers in a single-class configuration, like the carrier's other A319s. They will be powered by CFM International CFM56-5s. -AS
Next year will be critical for airlines in the Asia/Pacific region as many of them prepare for dramatic fleet growth in 2007, a leading regional analyst says. Peter Harbison, of the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation, describes 2006 as a "make-or-break year" for airline expansion plans. "2006 will in many ways be the quiet before the storm -- a period when airlines need to consolidate and put in place the necessary foundations for a massive upgrading of fleets and route systems," Harbison said.
The European Aviation Safety Agency granted a type certificate for the Airbus 318 powered by Pratt & Whitney's new PW6000 engine. The flight testing for the new engine type began in December 2004, and comprised 540 flight test hours and 240 flights. Powered by a CFM International CFM56-5B engine, the A318 received its first type certificate on May 23, 2003. Airbus said the PW6000 provides 22,000-24,000 pounds of thrust, and meets Stage 4 noise standards. -AS
