Germanwings was a low-cost airline based in Germany, founded in 2002. It operated flights across Europe and was a subsidiary of Lufthansa, one of the largest airlines in the world. The airline aimed to provide affordable travel options while maintaining a focus on customer service. In 2015, Germanwings gained international attention due to a tragic incident involving Flight 9525, which crashed in the French Alps. This event led to significant changes in airline safety regulations and raised awareness about mental health issues among pilots. The airline ceased operations in 2020 as part of a broader restructuring within the aviation industry.