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.
Industry associations are continuing to urge lawmakers — particularly those in the Senate — to pass an FAA reauthorization bill as soon as possible. More than 30 industry groups and unions recently signed a letter to Senators stressing “the importance of passing a comprehensive, multi-year reauthorization.” The FAA’s authorization has been extended seven times over the past two years, and this “highlights how critically overdue this important legislation has become,” the groups said.
A senior Senate staffer believes there is still a very good chance that the FAA reauthorization bill can be finished this year, despite a congressional calendar crowded by the health care debate and other issues.
The Obama Administration is believed to be vetting former U.S. Transportation Dept. official Michael Huerta to be the next FAA deputy administrator. Earlier this week, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said a candidate was being vetted, but he did not reveal the name; however, sources told The DAILY that Huerta is the choice. Huerta was a member of the Obama transition team responsible for the DOT and has twice served in senior DOT positions. He was chief of staff to Secretary Rodney Slater, and associate deputy secretary under Federico Pena.
