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.
British Airways posted a weaker profit in the third quarter but still remained above the analysts' consensus estimate. Despite the weaker profitability, BA predicted that revenues for the year ending March 31 will be 3%-3.5% above last year's level. "All market segments remain price-sensitive, and yield declines are expected to continue," Chairman Martin Broughton warned.
Europe's airline industry last year made its first overall profit since 1998, the Association of European Airlines calculated. Preliminary AEA figures show the sector made a small $900 million profit in 2004 and also returned to pre-2001 traffic levels. AEA, which represents legacy carriers, did not include low-fare airlines, such as Ryanair and easyJet, in the calculation; both carriers have been profitable for the past three years.
Lufthansa's apparent decision to dispose of its minority stake in Star Alliance partner British Midland could place a tantalizing merger possibility back on the table. A BMI/Virgin Atlantic hookup would be a stronger competitor to British Airways based at London's Heathrow Airport.
