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.
Consolidation in the German air transport sector is progressing rapidly, as Air Berlin takes over rival DBA and strengthens its position in the competitive domestic market. The two carriers will comprise Germany's second-largest airline group behind Lufthansa. Air Berlin will also be able to significantly narrow the gap between it and Europe's leading low-fare airlines, Ryanair and EasyJet.
Jade Cargo International is looking at placing another major aircraft order next year as part of its effort to become the biggest Chinese all-cargo airline. Jade started operations with a single new Boeing 747-400ERF earlier this month, just days after it was delivered. The aircraft is currently being used for three-times-a-week service from Shenzhen in the Pearl River Delta to Amsterdam, and a regional round trip to Seoul, South Korea. The airline is based in Shenzhen, a rapidly growing center focused on electronics and IT component manufacturing.
Air Berlin is narrowing the size gap between it and EasyJet following the acquisition of former British Airways subsidiary DBA from entrepreneur Hans-Rudolf Woehrl. Germany's second-largest airline yesterday confirmed the move, which will cost it about EUR50 million, according to industry sources. DBA will continue to operate as a separate entity with a fleet of 29 aircraft, but its brand will disappear, as it will operate as "Air Berlin powered by DBA," and flights will take on the AB two letter-code.
