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.
BMI British Midland posted a GBP9.8 million (US$17.9 million) loss in 2003, slightly improving its 2002 results. Revenues were up 6.6% to GBP772 million (US$1.4 billion), and passenger traffic increased 25% to 9.4 million, indicating a significant drop in yields. With low-fare subsidiary bmibaby boosting capacity, the load factor improved from 63% to 67%.
For the second time in two weeks, Air France has delayed the takeover offer for KLM. "Air France and KLM are currently close to finalizing the elaborate offer and listing documentation. Therefore, the offer is expected to be launched in early April 2004," Air France said in a statement yesterday. The offer was originally due earlier in March and then, after a first delay, at the end of March. Air France and KLM declined comment on the reason.
A foldable economy-class seat that Airbus and design bureau Aida presented this week at The Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg could significantly reduce turnaround times on short-haul operations, Aida said. The first-of-its-kind technology enables aisle seats to be folded up so that passengers can move into their seats more quickly, reducing congestion in the aisle during boarding. Airbus says it is in touch with potential airline customers but declined to name candidates. The seat is expected to be certified within 18 months.
