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.
Virgin Blue is likely to have a turbulent year as it prepares to launch a long-haul subsidiary and could see a new majority shareholder. The airline, founded in 2000 by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and local investors, has long been content as Qantas’s primary competitor in the Australian domestic market. Originally set up as a low-fare airline, Virgin Blue has changed its strategy and now follows its “new world carrier” blueprint, offering frills like assigned seating, lounges and a frequent-flier program.
S7 Airlines saw revenues increase by 24% in 2007. Russia’s second-largest airline posted total revenues of RUB30 billion (US$1.2 billion) for the period and achieved an operating profit of RUB2.8 billion (US$114 million). The airline did not disclose net figures. S7 is building a hub at Moscow Domodedovo Airport, competing with Aeroflot. -
Air France’s subsidiary Servair bought a 25% stake in Nanland Catering, China Southern’s catering unit. The two sides did not disclose financial details. Air France will manage Nanland on behalf of China Southern. The Chinese carrier retains a 55% stake in the unit, with Sharpland Investments controlling the rest. Air France said that the two carriers are continuing talks about a possible cargo joint venture. China Southern joined the Air France-led SkyTeam alliance in late 2007.
