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.
Airbus parent EADS is expected to give the manufacturer the green light for the planned A350 before the end of the month, according to French press reports. The A350 is intended to compete directly with Boeing's 7E7, and it is based on the current A330-200. Airbus plans to invest $3.3 billion in the derivative aircraft. -JF
Lufthansa Cargo is evaluating whether to place orders for the proposed Boeing 777 freighter or the Airbus A380. "Both aircraft are offering improved conditions as far as operations and costs are concerned," CEO Jean-Peter Jansen said in an interview in Singapore last week. "So we have to look into both aircraft to see which is a good solution." An aircraft type like the 777 is a very good fit for markets, especially for markets with direct operation and frequencies," Jansen said. -JF
The danger of a potentially devastating air traffic control strike in Germany has been averted, after ATC provider Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) and the controllers' union GDF reached an agreement late last Thursday in time to meet a self-imposed deadline. The controllers will receive a 1.9% increase in pay plus extras for weekend work and shifts on public holidays. In return, GDF agreed to more flexible work hours and in other areas. -JF
