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 Cargo will phase out all of its aging Boeing 747-200s and replace the aircraft with used MD-11 trijets, beginning in 2005. The airline opted against buying new aircraft and is cutting its fleet by three jets; Lufthansa plans to rely on wet-leases if demand outstrips capacity.
The boards of Air France and KLM are expected to meet today to discuss a possible tie-up that would form Europe's largest airline (DAILY, Sept. 16), while Alitalia considers its options as the prospect of an alliance with Air France diminishes.
The Austrian Airlines Group has completely remodeled its brand and relaunched its corporate identity as "Austrian." One Bombardier Q400 has been repainted while the rest of the fleet will get the new livery during the fall. Austrian's regional division Tyrolean Airways will fly as "Austrian Arrows," while charter and leisure subsidiary Lauda Air will keep its existing brand. Austrian said the relaunch will cost around EUR1.3 million (US$1.45 million). -JF
