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.
Air Berlin recently named Ulf Huettmeyer as its CFO. Huettmeyer joins Air Berlin from Commerzbank, where he headed the corporate clients customer service unit in Berlin. Huettmeyer is the first CFO Air Berlin has had in its history. Finances to date were handled by Managing Director Joachim Hunold. Air Berlin as of Jan. 1 changed its legal status to a British Public Limited Company (plc). The naming of a CFO is seen as the latest sign that Air Berlin is planning to launch an initial public offering or find a strategic partner. -JF
Embraer's ability to invest in new aircraft development is likely to receive a big boost out of the anticipated overhaul of its shareholder structure. The Brazilian manufacturer's board late last week was expected to approve a share conversion that will also see the current concern being moved into a new entity of the same name.
Germanwings is launching a frequent flyer program called Boomerang. The offering is web-based, and customers must register for a EUR4 fee (US$4.84). Customers will receive one free ticket once they have completed eight roundtrips or 16 one-way journeys. Also participating are car rental companies and hotels. -JF
