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 continuing political unrest in Bangkok appears to be slowing the planned expansion of startup low-cost carrier Thai Lion Air, particularly on international routes.
Australia's new leadership faces some major aviation policy challenges this year. In each case, the government cannot avoid playing a key role—because even inaction or delay would have significant ramifications for the industry. However, the Liberal-National coalition elected in September has signaled that it will attempt to resolve these issues in 2014. Chief among them are the vexed question of a second major airport for Sydney, the elimination of a costly carbon tax and whether to give some form of aid to struggling Qantas.
While Boeing 787-9 launch customer Air New Zealand will receive three of the new model this year, there will be a significant gap before its next wave of -9 deliveries. The airline is set to receive its first stretched version of the 787 in July. The next is expected a few months later, and the carrier will have three by the end of 2014. Other carriers are also due to receive 787-9s during this period, with All Nippon Airways likely to be the next to take its first delivery after Air New Zealand.
