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.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has upgraded its forecast for 2010 profits; it expects its members to reach $15.1 billion in profits this year, significantly more than the $8.9 billion it anticipated in its last forecast earlier this year. However, IATA cautioned that 2011 will be more difficult with profits contracting to $9.1 billion.
Ryanair will make deep cuts to its German network as a result of the new air passenger tax Germany is introducing in January. CEO Michael O’Leary said capacity at Berlin Schoenefeld Airport will be reduced by 56% or 122 weekly services. The number of seats offered at the Bremen base will decline 29% and in Weeze 21% when the changes are implemented in the next summer timetable. Ryanair expects to carry 3 million fewer passengers in Germany next year as a result of the decision and says about 3,000 jobs at the airline and suppliers are affected.
