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 low-fare airline DBA has started its search for a strategic investor that industry sources say is necessary for the company's medium-term survival. Chairman Hans-Rudolph Woehrl said, "Ideally, we would find a strategic partner that gives us the chance for more growth." Management would also consider venture capital or an initial public offering if the airline fails to find a strategic investor.
Alitalia's unions worry that the Finance Ministry is hinting it is moving away from a government aid package and may ultimately drive the carrier toward bankruptcy. The Finance Ministry told Alitalia the company should "take any measures the management deems necessary" and the decisions should be "sufficient and independent from legislative action." "This way, the government choses to let the company fail," the carrier's unions said in a statement.
Two other former Lufthansa executives were understood to have been in the running for the top job at Swiss, but industry observers note the choice of Christoph Franz could signal that the Swiss board wants to keep its options open, since Franz still has good connections to his old employer. Franz was named CEO of Swiss Tuesday (DAILY, April 20), and shares rose up to 9% on the news.
