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.
The future of the 328 regional jet program appears cloudy at best, after Avcraft Aerospace GmbH filed for insolvency. The company had to take the step following the delay in deliveries of several completed aircraft. Munich-based lawyer Martin Prager was appointed as the preliminary administrator.
German aviation entrepreneur Hinrich Bischoff is taking over former British Airways subsidiary DBA, completing the deal that will see the low-fare airline merge with Bischoff's Germania Express (DAILY, Feb. 18). According to DBA, Bischoff buys 64% of the company and will become the controlling shareholder. DBA's previous majority owner, Hans-Rudolf Woehrl and his Intro Verwaltungsgesellschaft reduce their stake from 80% to 28.8%. The stakes of Managing Directors Peter Wojahn and Martin Gauss will shrink from 10% each to 3.6%.
Lufthansa's takeover of Swiss (DAILY, March 11 & 14) could be formally approved by shareholders as early as next week, according to the latest board and cabinet meeting schedules. The Swiss administrative board is scheduled to convene March 21, and the Lufthansa board will meet on the next day. The next meeting of the Swiss cabinet is planned for March 23. The three bodies are essential for the approval of Lufthansa's bid.
