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.
BMI British Midland plans to reduce its work force by as much as one-third because of the industry downturn in Europe. The airline said it would use natural attrition and not replace up to 1,500 staff expected to leave within three to four years. BMI has recorded strong growth in its last fiscal year, mainly due to the launch of its low-fare subsidiary bmibaby, but it recorded a significant EUR33 million (US$38 million) loss in 2002.
European airline industry leaders are mulling further consolidation moves brought on by the continuing economic downturn that is jeopardizing the future of many flag carriers. Severe acute respiratory syndrome, the Iraq war and sluggish economies have spoiled hopes for an early recovery. SAS Scandinavian Airlines Chief Executive Jorgen Lindegaard and Lufthansa German Airlines' Juergen Weber believe traffic will start bouncing back over the summer. However, such improvements would come too late to ensure the weaker carriers' survival.
Iberia has managed to remain profitable in the first five months of 2003, according to outgoing Chairman Xavier de Irala. Irala declined to cite a specific figure, but reiterated his forecast that Iberia would be one of the most profitable European airlines for the full year. Fernando Conte replaced Irala at the airline's annual shareholders meeting yesterday.
