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.
Jade Cargo Airlines Chinese airfreight operator will permanently shut down and plans to file for bankruptcy. “Due to the continuing weak demand for air cargo services to and from China, the restructuring of Jade Cargo could not be successfully concluded,” the airline says in a statement. “In view of the latest developments, the board of directors has decided to voluntarily dissolve the company.”
Etihad Airways is pursuing a stake of up to 10% in Virgin Australia, taking advantage of a recent restructuring of the Australian carrier that is aimed at allowing more overseas investment. Etihad has acquired a 3.96% share of Virgin Australia’s domestic entity on the stock market in recent weeks, and CEO James Hogan says his intention is to take the stake up to 10%. He did not say how much he will invest for the stake.
Finnair is trimming its Asian services because of delays in heavy maintenance and a lack of overflight rights. The decision is prompted by heavy checks on three Airbus A340-300s in Finnair’s fleet that require more work than anticipated, an airline official tells Aviation Week. No details are being provided by the airline, and it is unclear what the problem is or when it will be resolved. Finnair also refuses to name the provider performing the maintenance work.
