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.
Boeing yesterday revealed it may have to spend more than expected on research and development for both the 787 and 747-8, and while the increase is portrayed mainly as a contingency, the manufacturer admits it is still working to reduce weight on the 787 and has been forced to change some supplier arrangements. The new R&D forecast is $3.2 billion for this year, and $3.4 billion in 2007, compared with previous estimates of $3 billion in each year. This is the second consecutive quarter that Boeing has lifted R&D forecasts.
American yesterday unveiled a tender to buy back up to $338 million in debt securities, more than double the amount of debt the airline has repurchased so far this year.
ICAO next month will introduce its new pilot license standard specifically for co-pilots, but pilot unions say they are concerned the new license will degrade safety. The multi-crew pilot license (MPL) will be recognized by ICAO from Nov. 23, and must also be recognized by ICAO member states even if they choose not to adopt the MPL themselves. The license "provides the aviation community with an opportunity to train pilots directly for co-pilot duties," according to ICAO.
