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. Air Force Air Mobility Command approved up to $2.3 billion in airlift contracts with civil carriers this week, with the carriers represented by the Alliance Contractor Team winning the largest contract. The Air Force can issue delivery orders up to the maximum award, but "actual requirements may necessitate less than the [total] amount." Contract solicitation began in March, and the deals were concluded last month. The airlift work is for fiscal 2006, and will be completed by September 2006.
FAA and airport staff yesterday managed to open two runways at New Orleans and one at Gulfport-Biloxi to aid evacuation and relief efforts, but there is no immediate prospect of commercial operations resuming at either airport.
Boeing machinists are scheduled to vote today on the company's "best and final" contract offer, but union leaders are urging members to reject the contract and instead authorize a strike.
