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.
Europe's largest low-fare airline easyJet is preparing to open a new base in Germany. According to industry sources, easyJet is evaluating Berlin Schoenefeld and Cologne/Bonn as possible bases from which it would fly to other European routes; Cologne/Bonn Airport confirmed negotiations with the airline. If easyJet enters the German market, observers expect massive changes for the large German package tour market and increasing pressure on travel giants Thomas Cook and TUI. -JF
Irish no-frills carrier Ryanair posted a 16% increase in after-tax profits to EUR176 million (US$200.6 million) and a 28% gain in revenues to EUR596 million (US$683 million) in the first half of the 2003-2004 financial year. The airline estimates a full-year profit of EUR265 million (US$303 million) on close to EUR1 billion in sales. The net margin for the first half of the year was 28%.
Swiss air traffic control Skyguide last week introduced new approach patterns for Runway 34 at Zurich Kloten Airport. The new approaches are necessary following a dispute between Switzerland and Germany on noise restrictions for the airport, which is close to the German border. Skyguide said airlines would have to take into account possible delays because of the new procedures. -JF
