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.
After years of following a strategy of non-investment, British Airways yesterday launched a lengthy process to finally replace its aging long-haul fleet, sending manufacturers a request for proposals for the replacement of 20 Boeing 747-400s and 14 767s. The RFP is only the beginning of what is likely to be an investment cycle spanning years. BA currently operates a fleet of 114 long-haul aircraft, among them 57 747-400s, 43 777s and 14 767-300s.
Express giant DHL yesterday announced its intention to buy 49% of air cargo carrier Polar in a transaction that also includes a 20-year agreement for capacity on Polar aircraft. Under a letter-of-intent signed by the two companies, DHL will pay $150 million for the 49% equity and 25% voting interest. Polar is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWH). The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, and DHL expects it to close late this year or early 2007.
Boeing yesterday confirmed it will stretch the passenger version of the 747-8 another six feet, compared with previous proposals, making it exactly the same length as the freighter version.
