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.
South African Airways last week defended a payout of up to $3.5 million for its former CEO Khaya Ngqula saying the deal was approved by Public Enterprises Minister Brigitte Mabandla. The South African cabinet criticized the payment at its last meeting. Ngqula was placed on special leave in February and finally left the company in early March over corruption allegations. SAA argues that if he was still on special leave, he would be entitled to full pay and benefits. If charges are proved in an upcoming investigation, Ngqula will face fines regardless of the payout.
Air Berlin is close to joining forces with German travel giant TUI group. The airline confirmed that it is in advanced talks to acquire a stake of up to 20% in TUI’s leisure and low-fare airline unit TUIfly. In return, TUI will take a share of up to 20% in Air Berlin. The deal still needs to be approved by the two companies’ boards of directors.
Low-fare carrier Ryanair is opening another base in Germany. The airline will start services on six routes from Memmingen Airport from the end of April.
