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.
International traffic was down 9.3% in March, which represents a continuing deterioration versus the prior month, when leap year and Easter adjustments are considered, according to the International Air Transport Association. Unlike the freight market, there is “no indication in the data yet that the decline in passenger traffic has reached a bottom,” IATA said. After adjustments, overall international passenger numbers fell 7.5% year-on-year in March, compared to a fall of 6% year-on-year in February.
The Air Transport Association predicts that U.S. airline passenger numbers will be down about 7% this summer travel season, although load factors will still be relatively high. ATA estimates there will be around 195 million passengers flying between June 1 and Aug. 31, compared to the same period last year. The reduction will be 7% for domestic passengers, and 6% for international. Load factors are expected to be in the mid-80% range – similar to what they were last year.
Continental says it will cut about 500 reservations agents across its system and will also close down its Tampa reservations center. The Tampa closure is scheduled to occur July 19. Continental said it will offer voluntary severance and leave-of-absence programs and will also give Tampa reservations employees the option of transferring to other centers in Houston and Salt Lake City. The company will offer outplacement services and relocation assistance.
