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.
Lufthansa posted a strong increase in both passenger and cargo traffic in November, lending evidence to a growth trend in European air traffic. The airline's revenue passenger miles increased 7.2% systemwide on 1.4% more capacity. Consequently, load factor improved to 73.7%. Revenue freight ton miles increased by 2.7%, while Lufthansa Cargo reduced its capacity by 0.1%.
Air Polonia, previously a cargo and charter operator, launched low-fare services from Warsaw to Gdansk and Wroclaw on Monday, setting up the first scheduled competitor for incumbent LOT Polish Airlines. The airline also plans to fly from Warsaw to London Stansted beginning next week. The lowest domestic fares are around US$5 one way. Air Polonia operates two Boeing 737-400s. -JF
In a surprise move, Lufthansa plans to get rid of travel agency commissions in Germany in September. Europe's third-largest airline will move to a system of net fares as opposed to the current fares including commissions. Agencies would be free to add charges for their services that they would receive directly from customers.
