Sun Country Airlines is an airline company founded in June 1982, with operations commencing in January 1983. It is an American ultra-low-cost passenger and cargo airline, ranking as the eleventh largest in the United States by passengers carried. The airline operates a network of over 100 passenger routes connecting 81 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its main operational hubs are Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport. Additionally, Sun Country Airlines serves as a contract cargo operator for Amazon Air.

History

The airline launched its operations in January 1983 with a single Boeing 727-200 jetliner. The initial workforce consisted of sixteen pilots, sixteen flight attendants, one office staff member, and three mechanics. Many of the employees had previously worked for Braniff International Airways, which ceased operations on May 12, 1982. Captain Jim Oslen, the founder, served as the first President and Chief Pilot.

In 1988, the airline's headquarters were situated on the premises of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. However, financial troubles led to a suspension of operations in 2001. In July 2006, the airline was acquired by Petters Group Worldwide and Whitebox Advisors.

The airline had to furlough 45 out of its 156 pilots and reduce its summer schedule due to escalating fuel costs. It sought financial assistance, hoping to secure $50 million in loans from the state of Minnesota and the airport's commission. By the end of September 2008, Gadek, the CEO, called for a 50% pay deferral for all remaining employees. Tom Petters resigned from his position after an FBI probe uncovered massive financial fraud within the airline.

Rebuilding and Davis Family Ownership

In July 2011, the Davis family acquired Sun Country Airlines out of bankruptcy for $34 million. In 2015, Zarir Erani was appointed as President and CEO. The airline reported a net income of $27 million in 2015 but saw a 41% drop to $16 million in 2016.

Apollo Global Management Ownership

On December 14, 2017, the Davis brothers announced the sale of the airline to funds affiliated with New York-based Apollo Global Management. On December 14, 2019, Amazon Air acquired a minority stake in Sun Country with plans for cargo flights under the Amazon Air brand. The airline primarily focuses on leisure travel, designed to stabilize revenues during non-peak seasons. In December 2019, Sun Country announced it would begin operating cargo flights for Amazon. In March 2021, the airline went public and began trading on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SNCY.

Services

Previously offering two classes of service with First Class and Economy seats, the airline transitioned to an ultra-low-cost carrier with an all-economy configuration when acquired by Apollo Global Management. Currently, Sun Country Airlines provides three variations of economy seats: Best, Exit Row, and Standard. The airline ran its first frequent flyer program, Sun Country VIP Club, from 2004 to July 2006. It was later replaced by Ufly and subsequently by Sun Country in November 2018.

Sun Country Airlines serves approximately 81 destinations with over 100 routes as of March 2022, encompassing the Caribbean, United States, Mexico, and Central America. The airline also offers charter services for the United States Armed Forces and NCAA Football teams.

Fleet

As of November 2022, Sun Country Airlines operates an all-Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft fleet. Many of its destinations are served seasonally to accommodate fluctuating demand throughout the year. The airline has interline agreements with Condor, EVA Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, and China Airlines.