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.
United's October operating loss was only slightly worse than last year's despite a 53% rise in fuel costs, the airline said last week. The October operating loss was $71 million, $6 million more than last year's loss. Fuel costs rose by nearly $170 million from last year. United CFO Jake Brace said the airline met the obligations imposed by its debtor-in-possession financing deals, and United is "moving steadily towards a February exit from bankruptcy." The airline finished the month with $2.7 billion in cash, up $31 million from a month earlier.
A handful of significant new orders provided plenty of good news for Airbus last week, but this was marred slightly by revelations that ICAO is recommending far greater separation standards for the Airbus A380 than for any other widebody aircraft. On the good news side of the ledger was a slew of orders at the Dubai Air Show -- although rival Boeing also announced a lot of new business at the same show. Airbus unveiled orders and commitments for 157 aircraft at Dubai, with aircraft leasing companies heavily represented in the total.
News of healthier stockpiles caused jet fuel prices to drop dramatically Wednesday, which analysts said will decrease prices below the assumptions of many airlines.
