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.
Swiss International Air Lines' survival as an independent carrier is in question yet again following management's decision to end negotiations to join British Airways' Oneworld. Earlier this month, the integration of frequent-flier programs proved to be a stumbling point. Swiss Chairman Pieter Bouw said the airline would not disclose proprietary, competition-sensitive passenger data, even to a would-be alliance partner. The role that Zurich, Swiss' main hub, would play within the Oneworld alliance was another point of contention.
The future of the 728 regional jet program is very much in question, after collapse of efforts to restart development and Fairchild Dornier Aero Industries' bankruptcy filing. The search for new investors looks unpromising.
Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways (SAA) are expected to enter a commercial cooperation deal at the end of October, which will result in the British carrier putting its code on many of SAA's domestic flights. SAA is expected to become a member of Star Alliance this year, while Virgin Atlantic is 49%-owned by Star member Singapore Airlines.
