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 planned merger agreement between low-fare airlines TUIfly and Germanwings is taking longer than initially expected, and the deal may not yet be waved through at the next meetings of TUI’s and Lufthansa’s supervisory boards scheduled later this month, sources close to the matter say. The sources say Lufthansa’s negotiating team has been negatively surprised by a look at TUIfly’s financial situation, which was described as worse than expected.
German air travel was severely disrupted yesterday as public services union Verdi called for strikes at practically all major airports (DAILY, March 5). Lufthansa was forced to cancel more than 300 flights, as baggage handlers and security staff walked off the job. The airline recommended travelers to use trains on domestic routes. Disruptions were expected to continue throughout the day. Verdi is demanding an 8% wage increase for its members.
Air travel could be severely disrupted in Germany today, as public services union Verdi has called for strikes at airports. Verdi members are expected to stage work stoppages at the country’s two biggest airports in Frankfurt and Munich, among others. Early indications are that significant delays and cancellations have to be expected, particularly in the morning.
