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.
Turkish carrier Pegasus Airlines has placed a firm order for 58 A320NEOs and 17 A321NEOs in a deal that also includes 25 options. The agreement is a major blow for Boeing, as Pegasus has been an all-Boeing operator since its launch in 2005. In that time, the airline has grown from carrying 500,000 passengers annually to 13.5 million passengers in 2012. Pegasus’s fleet currently is comprised of 40 737-800s and two 737-400s.
With 1,579 firm orders since its launch, the Airbus A320NEO (new engine option) family has clearly scored well with both airlines and lessors. And with the aircraft designed for minimum change beyond the new engines, managing the transition may well be the biggest challenge.
The tie-up of Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic is very much about better access to the London Heathrow Airport market, connections and serving business travelers well. Delta's decision is only the latest factor that is likely to spur change and rearrangement at Europe's most important airport for long-haul services.
