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.
The newly reelected German government is taking some significant foreign policy steps, but so far leaders haven't made progress addressing pending European military procurement decisions or repairing relations with Washington that frayed because of differences on Iraq policy. In the aftermath of the election, German government officials have emphasized they are not about to change their position on Iraq.
Swissair successor Swiss International Air Lines is facing a rough ride toward profitability, beset as it is with high start-up costs, the economic downturn and unresolved agreements regarding alliances and pilot wages. Swiss posted a massive CHF447-million ($300-million) loss on revenues of CHF1.7 billion in the first six months of the year. The airline flew 5.2 million passengers, achieving a 66.1% seat load factor. In spite of the large loss, CEO Andre Dose stated that the airline was doing better than expected in its initial business plan presented in late 2001.
U.K. airship manufacturer Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) is hoping it can strike a deal with bankrupt German competitor Cargolifter to set up a European airship company developing vessels for the passenger transport, cargo and military surveillance roles. The company is in ongoing negotiations with the administrator before an important Cargolifter creditor meeting scheduled for Sept. 27. ATG is proposing a series of airships, but needs more funding to realize its plans, and could make use of Cargolifter's giant airship hall in Brand, Germany.
