He started his journalism career in 1992 as a freelance writer for Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Germany’s largest daily national newspaper and soon specialised in air transport. Jens joined Aviation Week and Aviation Daily in 2000 as one of the European correspondents. Later his role was expanded to cover international air transport. In 2013 he was named Managing Editor Commercial.
Jens frequently appears on radio and TV to comment on industry matters. In 2003, he received the Hugo Junkers Award of the German aviation press for his coverage of Fairchild Dornier’s bankruptcy. He was named the country’s top travel and air transport writer by the Travel Industry Club three times. Jens graduated from the Munich School of Journalism.
Etihad Airways is acquiring a 70% stake in Air Berlin’s frequent flyer program, which will be placed into a separate company, Topbonus Ltd. Under the arrangement, which was first revealed in early December, Air Berlin will own 30% of the company, which will be registered in the U.K. but operated from Germany. The €184.4 million ($243.4 million) generated from the transaction will allow Air Berlin to post an annual profit for 2012, its first in five years.
Turkish carrier Pegasus Airlines has placed a firm order for 58 A320NEOs and 17 A321NEOs in a deal that also includes 25 options. The agreement is a major blow for Boeing, as Pegasus has been an all-Boeing operator since its launch in 2005. In that time, the airline has grown from carrying 500,000 passengers annually to 13.5 million passengers in 2012. Pegasus’s fleet currently is comprised of 40 737-800s and two 737-400s.
The tie-up of Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic is very much about better access to the London Heathrow Airport market, connections and serving business travelers well. Delta's decision is only the latest factor that is likely to spur change and rearrangement at Europe's most important airport for long-haul services.
