A Look at Germany’s Regional Aviation Specialist Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter, commonly known as LGW, was a notable name in Germany’s regional aviation landscape. Founded in 1980, LGW began as a small charter airline before transforming into a crucial regional carrier that supported larger airlines with short-haul operations. For much of its operational life, LGW played a key role as a feeder airline, initially partnering with Lufthansa and later operating flights for Air Berlin under the "LGW operated by Air Berlin" banner. Its fleet consisted mainly of turboprop aircraft, such as the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, ideal for short distances and regional connectivity. Following Air Berlin's collapse in 2017, LGW was briefly acquired by Lufthansa through its subsidiary Eurowings. However, the airline’s path remained unstable. In 2019, LGW was sold to Zeitfracht Group, which aimed to integrate the airline into a broader logistics and aviation strategy. Despite efforts to modernize and expand, LGW could not withstand the immense challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden decline in air travel demand proved devastating. In April 2020, LGW filed for insolvency and ceased operations shortly thereafter. Though LGW no longer operates, its legacy reflects the complexities and vulnerabilities of regional aviation in Europe. It served as a crucial connector between smaller cities and major hubs, helping airlines like Air Berlin and Lufthansa expand their reach efficiently. LGW’s journey—from a charter carrier to a regional partner of national airlines—offers insight into the evolving aviation industry and the challenges small carriers face in a highly competitive and turbulent market.