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.
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.
Etihad Airways is aiming to repeat the success story of neighbor Emirates Airlines and become a major player in international long-haul air travel, despite the absence of a sizable home market. Last month at the Farnborough air show, the new carrier surprised the industry with a $7-billion order for four Airbus A380-800s, four A340-500s, four A340-600s and 12 A330-200s to form the backbone of its fleet (AW&ST July 26, p. 26). Etihad will be among early operators of the A380, behind Singapore Airlines and rival Emirates.
