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.
EasyJet CEO Ray Webster said the airline may speed up retirement of older Boeing 737 Classics to limit capacity increases, versus slowing down the pace of Airbus A319 deliveries, as the airline considers strategies to alleviate pressure on yields. EasyJet currently operates a fleet of 95 aircraft, among them 18 A319s. The airline has ordered 120 A319s, all due for delivery before 2007. The airline expects a steep fall in average yields over the winter months, and even rival Ryanair anticipates a bloodbath among low-fare airlines.
British Airways and Air Berlin yesterday announced fuel surcharges in what could be the beginning of an industry-wide reaction to higher fuel prices. With prices at their highest level in 14 years, BA increased its current GBP2.50 surcharge (US$4.60) on long-haul flights to GBP6 (US$11), leaving European fares unchanged.
British Airways posted a GBP70 million net profit (US$129 million) in the June quarter, but the rise in fuel costs, anticipated labor unrest and depressed yields continue to be significant concerns for Europe's second-largest airline.
