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.
Etihad Airways plans to defer deliveries of its Airbus A380s. "You need the maturity to absorb that kind of aircraft," CEO James Hogan told The DAILY. "For us, it's huge step." Hogan confirmed that "we are in discussions with Airbus at the moment in regards to whether we take it or defer it." But Etihad does not consider canceling its order: "At a given time, we need that type of aircraft." The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has a firm order for four aircraft. -JF
EasyJet managed to cut its loss for the first half of its 2007 financial year. The airline recorded a pre-tax loss of GBP17 million (US$33.9 million) for the six-month period ended March 31, down from GBP40 million a year earlier. The airline's shares, nevertheless, took a further dive yesterday, dropping more than 5% after falling 8% last year. In an interview with The DAILY, CEO Andrew Harrison attributed the drop to profit taking and concerns about weaker yields in the third quarter.
Rome-based Air One said it is converting options for 50 more Airbus A320s into firm orders. The airline plans to take delivery of the aircraft until 2012. The options were part of a 2006 order for 40 A320s that are to replace its existing fleet of Boeing 737s. Air One said it is also in talks with aircraft manufacturers over an order for long-haul aircraft, as it wants to start serving long-haul routes next year. Air One is one of the three bidders for financially struggling Alitalia. -JF
