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.
Spirit has ordered International Aero Engines' V2500 to power three additional Airbus A321 aircraft the carrier has ordered. The six engines included in the deal are worth more than $50 million and are covered by a long-term fleet-hour agreement. The three aircraft are in addition to 15 firm orders already placed. Spirit has options on another 47 A321s and also plans to lease 20 Airbus A320 family aircraft, IAE said. Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza said the V2500 is helping keep fuel costs down. -AS
Chinese carrier Shenzhen last week ordered CFM56-5B engines for five A320 family aircraft it is having delivered. The engines will power three A320s and two A319s, with the first to be delivered later this year. The engine order is worth $60 million at list prices. Shenzhen operates a fleet of 32 Boeing 737s, all powered by CFM56 engines. -AS
Boeing yesterday signed a contract with China Southern for 10 Boeing 787s, the fifth of the six Chinese airlines to confirm their share of a 60-aircraft commitment for 787s. Only eight of the 60 commitments are not confirmed, and contract talks for these aircraft are believed to be underway with Chinese carrier Hainan. The Chinese government placed the initial commitment in January, but firm contracts have to be signed with individual carriers.
