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.
Airbus is hopeful it can keep production rates relatively solid, with company CEO for Customers John Leahy suggesting 2010 could see aboutd 480 deliveries, roughly last year’s level and what’s targeted for 2009. The airframer also makes clear it will show little flexibility in shifting 2009 deliveries.
Aer Lingus CEO Dermot Mannion resigned yesterday, opening the space for a debate on the carrier’s future strategy. “My decision to step down will allow a new CEO to bring fresh thinking and new ideas to the business,” Mannion said.
South African Airways last week defended a payout of up to $3.5 million for its former CEO Khaya Ngqula saying the deal was approved by Public Enterprises Minister Brigitte Mabandla. The South African cabinet criticized the payment at its last meeting. Ngqula was placed on special leave in February and finally left the company in early March over corruption allegations. SAA argues that if he was still on special leave, he would be entitled to full pay and benefits. If charges are proved in an upcoming investigation, Ngqula will face fines regardless of the payout.
