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.
German entrepreneur and billionaire Lutz Helmig bought a 25.1% stake in low-fare airline DBA, the company said yesterday. The decision removes uncertainty about the airline's financial situation and makes DBA's growth plans easier to realize. The airline also said an initial public offering (IPO) cannot be ruled out in the long term.
Spanish construction giant Ferrovial said yesterday it may place a bid for U.K. airport operator BAA. "Ferrovial's considerations are at a preliminary stage, and there is no certainty that any offer will be made," the company said. Ferrovial also said, "No approach has yet been made to BAA's board." BAA shares rose 2% in midday trading, the biggest jump ever. Ferrovial's stock was up more than 6%.
British Airways is starting to look at its long-term fleet plans after spending years holding off on major investments while reducing its debt. "We are not taking new aircraft before the opening of [London Heathrow's] Terminal 5," Commercial Director Martin George told The DAILY in London; however, he said the company might place an order sooner, rather than later, to secure production slots. Terminal 5 is scheduled to open in March 2008.
