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.
Air Berlin recorded a EUR115.9 million (US$140.6 million) net loss in 2005, reported airline CFO Ulf Huettmeyer, a figure much higher than was expected by most observers. The airline attributed the loss to high fuel prices and a lack of hedging. Germany's second-largest carrier never before revealed financial results other than revenues but has been forced to release more information on its financial performance in preparation for its planned initial public offering (DAILY, March 9).
TAP Portugal is watching closely developments at financially struggling alliance partner Varig and is "keeping an interest in Varig," CEO Fernando Pinto told The DAILY at the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. Pinto said any decision to invest in Varig would have to be preceded by shareholder agreements. Varig is facing the threat of aircraft seizures, as it failed to pay due bills to Brazil's airport operator Infraero, among others.
Swiss has taken over operations between Zurich and Santiago with five weekly frequencies formerly flown by Lufthansa. The airline will operate the route with Airbus A340-300 aircraft configured for eight in first class, 48 flat-bed seats in business and 172 seats in economy. Flights continue on from Santiago either Zurich or Frankfurt as gateways to Europe. -JF
