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.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines is going back to a three-class onboard product on European flights to better cater to low-fare demand. Starting Nov. 1, the cabin will be split into Economy Flex and Business classes. The lowest fare ticket holders will be flown in Economy, where food and drinks have to be bought and there is no more allocated seating. In Economy Flex, passengers can change bookings and get refunds, as well as take advantage of free onboard service. Business class will be upgraded through an increased seat pitch.
British Airways reached a deal with two unions representing ground staff and managed to avert a strike set for this coming Friday. BA and the two unions agreed on a 8.5% pay increase over the next three years and a GBP1,000 (US$1,800) bonus for each worker to be paid by late 2006. In return, the unions agreed to work with the airline to cut the average employee absent time of 17 days per year to 10. BA hopes this will save around GBP30 million (US$54 million) per year.
