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.
Arab countries are part of a global group of states trying to fend off inclusion of their airlines in the European Union's emissions trading system (ETS) in its current form. But, as they and representatives of their airlines witnessed at the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) general meeting here last week, the European Commission still shows no sign of relenting.
The European Commission (EC) and Russia have agreed on a revised plan for Russian overflights. According to a statement by the EC, any charges for aircraft flying over Russian airspace must be cost-related and transparent from 2014. The agreement becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2012, following Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
Middle Eastern airlines have long been accused of receiving unfair government support, but they are arguing that their model should serve as an example for the world. “Yes, we have governments support us, in the same way as Europeans did before their privatization,” Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al Baker told delegates at the Arab Air Carrier Organization (AACO) annual general meeting here last week. He argues that once airlines in the region “are properly mature,” they will launch initial public offerings (IPO) and privatize to fully stand on their own feet.
