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.
Hawaiian Airlines is continuing its push into the South Pacific with a new route to Auckland, starting in March, which will open one-stop flights to New Zealand from multiple U.S. cities. Hawaiian likely will be the only U.S. carrier serving New Zealand directly when it begins flying from Honolulu to Auckland with Boeing 767-300ERs. The service also will connect to Hawaiian’s interisland and U.S. mainland networks.
The industry spotlight is on Japan Airlines (JAL) as it prepares for a lucrative stock market relisting on the back of an impressive return to profitability. Meanwhile, however, local rival All Nippon Airways (ANA) has also been achieving standout financial results.
Air New Zealand is facing a lot of change this year, as it simultaneously undertakes a leadership transition and a sweeping overhaul of its international business. Christopher Luxon (see photo) is central to both these shifts. As general manager of international operations, he has overseen the review of this segment, and he has also been named to take over as CEO when Rob Fyfe steps down at the end of the year.
