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.
Ryanair continues to be the most profitable European airline, posting a EUR239.4 million net profit (US$280 million) on sales of 842 million (US$985 million) for its fiscal year ended March 31, although yields are expected to come under increased pressure this year and with it the low-cost carrier's profit margin. The results best the EUR150 million net profit on sales of EUR624 million in 2002, which improved the profit margin to 28% from 24%, but CEO Michael O'Leary warned the targeted and sustainable level would be about 20%.
Singapore Airlines would likely buy a majority stake in Virgin Atlantic Airways if the regulatory framework allowed it and the partners agreed. Deputy Chairman and CEO Cheong Choong Kong Told The DAILY on the sidelines of a Star Alliance conference in Washington, "We would be very interested." He declined comment on talks between Virgin and BMI British Midland over a possible link-up. "Our partners in Virgin know what we want." SIA holds 49% in the carrier.
British Airways yesterday sold its unprofitable German subsidiary Deutsche BA (DBA) to German investor Hans Rudolf Woehrl, ending its ambitious plans to enter Europe's fast-growing low-fare airline market and establish a base in key rival Lufthansa's home market. The decision follows BA's failed attempt to sell DBA to easyJet, which stepped back from a purchase option earlier this year.
