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.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al Baker is considering an order for Airbus A330s and the conversion of Boeing 787 options to boost long-haul capacity. Al Baker told reporters in Dubai that he may add more A330s to the carrier’s fleet to counter a capacity shortfall caused by the delay in 787 deliveries. Qatar Airways currently has an order for 30 787-8s, five of which have been delivered. According to al Baker, the airline also could convert 30 787 purchase options, although these would be for the stretched 787-9.
Lufthansa has resolved its pending leadership crisis following a tumultuous day, after its former CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber late May 6 reversed his decision not to run for the chairman’s position. Mayrhuber earlier in the day said he was no longer available for the chairman’s position at Europe’s largest airline. Lufthansa had published Mayrhuber’s decision in a regulatory filing, saying it would come up with a new proposal later in the day. That proposal, however, reconfirmed his nomination.
Etihad Airways’ expansion into Africa will be aided by a bilateral alliance with South African Airways (SAA). A memorandum of understanding signed yesterday includes code-sharing between and beyond Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi, reciprocal frequent flyer program recognition and joint initiatives in procurement, training and maintenance. Etihad affiliates Air Seychelles and Jet Airways also signed up for code-sharing with SAA.
