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.
Continental recently awarded a five-year contract extension to Eaton Corp. for a hydraulic system retrofit. The contract was originally for 10 years and was awarded in 2002. Eaton will retrofit hydraulic power generation equipment in the Continental fleet with Eaton Vickers engine-driven and electric motor-driven hydraulic pumps. Eaton will also provide maintenance for the duration of the contract, and all new aircraft deliveries will include the new Eaton equipment. -AS
UPS yesterday committed to launch a full hub operation at Shanghai airport by 2007, and also revealed it will establish a domestic express package network in China by September. The carrier signed a memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Airport Group regarding the hub. UPS already flies into Shanghai, but will now establish sort facilities, and cargo and ramp handling operations. Previously some of these were contracted out to local companies. UPS will still keep all of its existing Asian hubs, a spokeswoman said.
GE Commercial Finance yesterday revealed it has dramatically boosted its aircraft leasing portfolio by purchasing most of CIT Group's corporate aircraft business. The two companies would not reveal the sale price, but the deal includes $700 million in loans and $200 million in leases on 380 aircraft, including business jets, turboprops and helicopters. The sale of most of the assets covered by the deal was closed June 30, and the remainder will be transferred in the third quarter.
