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 and ground staff union Gata have resumed negotiations on ways to implement 1,500 planned layoffs. The layoffs are part of Swiss's restructuring plan, under which 3,000 jobs will be cut. Cabin crew union Kapers, meanwhile, agreed to 850 layoffs, but other cost-cutting measures key to the survival of Swiss remain in dispute. -JF
Thomas Cook Airlines may take an additional five aircraft out of service to cope with a downturn in demand in Europe's tourism industry. A company spokesman said no firm decision has been made, but the phaseout could lead to the loss of 340 more jobs. The carrier earlier grounded eight of its 49 Germany-based aircraft. -JF
Russian carrier Aeroflot expects profits for 2003 to fall short of its own expectations. CEO Valery Okulov revised his forecast downwards from US$114 million to US$100 million, following weaker figures in the first half of the year. Aeroflot posted a profit of $20.9 million, compared with $19.9 million a year ago. Okulov said the airline has grown most on routes to the Asia/Pacific region, but the area was hit hard after the SARS pneumonia outbreak. Aeroflot is in negotiations with Emirates and Cathay Pacific over interlining agreements, Okulov said. -JF
