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.
Air New Zealand yesterday doubled its order for Boeing 787-9s, which the carrier said will drive its international growth plans. Air NZ is the launch customer for the -9 version of the 787, with the first to be introduced into service in 2011 and the remainder due for delivery through 2013. The airline also has options for eight further production slots. Air NZ said it received a "significant discount" on the four additional aircraft because it was among the first to commit to the 787 program.
Boeing announced five new orders Sunday, two 777 Freighters for Qatar and three 787-8s for Kenya Airways. The Kenya order brings the carrier's 787 firm order total to nine, with four options. The airline ordered six 787s in March, along with six options. Deliveries will begin in October 2010 and will continue through late 2012. The 787s will complement the four 777-200ERs in Kenya's international fleet.
U.S. Transportation Dept. officials have persuaded the Chinese government to resume open-skies talks, with a round of negotiations expected in late January. Aviation liberalization was one of many issues on the agenda at last week's Strategic Economic Dialogue in Beijing. Although no specific open-skies negotiations occurred, DOT representatives were able to use the SED process to convince high-level Chinese officials of the benefits of an open-skies deal.
