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.
Lufthansa plans to save up to EUR250 million in spending this year to counter the increase in fuel prices. The airline added 100 million to its previous 150 million savings program. Measures include a hiring freeze that now no longer only covers administration, but is extended to operations. Also, the planned capacity increase in the coming winter is reduced to 6% from 7%. The airline also wants to renegotiate supplier contracts.
Russian carrier Aeroflot is not interested in bidding for Austrian Airlines. “Risks are higher than benefits,” an Aeroflot official said yesterday. Austria’s government could clear the way for the sale of its 43% holding in Austrian at the next cabinet meeting on Aug. 12. However, the financially struggling airline has become a major issue in the upcoming national elections. A widely expected sale to partner Lufthansa is criticized by those who want to keep the airline’s “national identity.”
