In 1997, the airline Germanwings began operating as a subsidiary of Eurowings Luftverkehrs AG under the name Eurowings Flug GmbH. In 2002, it was renamed Germanwings GmbH.
The airline's home base is Cologne-Bonn Airport. Germanwings also operates from four other airports in Germany, one of which is Dortmund Airport, where flights started on 22 June 2007. In 2009, Germanwings transported around 7.2 million passengers to more than 75 destinations throughout Europe. The airline has a modern, high-tech fleet of aircraft operating both from Dortmund Airport and from its other hubs.
More than 1300 people work for the German low-cost airline. Their aim is to provide passengers with a competent and friendly service which always results in a relaxed and comfortable journey.
Germanwings flights can be booked by phone, at the Germanwings airport desk or online. Passengers can also check in online, which allows them to reserve a seat three days before their departure date and to print out a boarding pass. A free Germanwings app for iPhone, iPad and iPod is available from the App Store, which enables passengers to check in up to 72 hours before departure and which functions as a mobile boarding pass. Travellers who like surprises can also opt for the Germanwings Blind Booking service. With Blind Booking, you do not know where you will be flying to until you finish the booking process. You only have to specify the type of holiday and the departure airport.
The Germanwings Basic, Best and Flex options offer passengers individual fares at very low prices from airports including Dortmund. For an extra payment, passengers can choose a seat with more leg room or a private seat, where the adjacent seat is kept free for greater comfort.