Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter Facts for Kids

Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter, often known as LGW, was an airline based in Germany. It helped people travel by air for many years, flying both regular passenger flights and special charter services. LGW was a well-known name in German aviation for a long time.

About Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter
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About Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter

LGW was a German airline that operated for about 40 years. Airlines are companies that provide air transport services for passengers or cargo. LGW focused on regional flights, often connecting smaller cities or acting as a partner for larger airlines. This means they helped bigger airlines by flying some of their routes, especially shorter ones.

What is an Airline?

An airline is a company that owns and operates aircraft to carry passengers or cargo. They follow strict rules set by aviation authorities to ensure safety. Airlines have different types of planes, from small regional jets to large long-haul aircraft. They also employ many people, including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and ground staff.

History of LGW

Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter was started in 1980. For many years, it operated various types of aircraft, serving different routes across Germany and sometimes beyond. Over its history, LGW often worked closely with other, larger airlines. This included flying routes for them under their brand, which is known as "wet leasing" or "code-sharing." This allowed LGW to stay busy and use its planes and crews efficiently.

LGW's Partnership with Air Berlin

One of LGW's most notable partnerships was with Air Berlin, which was once a very large German airline. LGW operated many flights for Air Berlin, especially regional routes, using its own planes but with Air Berlin's flight numbers and colors. This partnership was very important for LGW for a long time. When Air Berlin faced financial difficulties and eventually stopped flying in 2017, it had a big impact on LGW.

What Kind of Planes Did LGW Use?

Over its history, LGW used several different types of aircraft. These planes were chosen for their ability to fly regional routes efficiently. Some of the aircraft types LGW operated included:

Dornier 228: This is a twin-turboprop aircraft known for its ability to operate from shorter runways.
De Havilland Dash 8-400: A popular turboprop aircraft, often used for regional flights because it is fuel-efficient and can carry a good number of passengers.
Embraer 190: A modern regional jet, faster and larger than the turboprops, used for slightly longer or busier regional routes.

These planes helped LGW connect different parts of Germany and serve its partners effectively.

The End of LGW

After the challenges faced by its main partner, Air Berlin, LGW continued to operate for a while, trying to find new ways to stay in business. However, the airline eventually stopped its operations in 2020. This marked the end of a long history for Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter in German aviation.