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Sun Country Airlines is an American ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) in Minnesota. Incorporated in 1982, it has evolved from a small charter operator into a hybrid low-cost airline, serving approximately 140 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. With a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Sun Country operates scheduled flights, charter services, and cargo operations for Amazon Air, leveraging a flexible business model to optimize capacity and mitigate seasonality. Known for affordable fares, a modern fleet, and a customer-friendly app, Sun Country has earned praise for its value but faces criticism for customer service, baggage handling, and schedule reliability. As a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: SNCY), it continues to grow, supported by partnerships and community initiatives in Minnesota.
Sun Country Airlines was incorporated on July 2, 1982, in Minnesota, receiving its certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Civil Aeronautics Board on January 17, 1983. Its first revenue flight, a charter from Sioux Falls to Las Vegas, took off on January 20, 1983, using a leased Boeing 727 from Air Florida, with a staff of 16 pilots, 16 flight attendants, three mechanics, and one office worker, many previously employed by Braniff International Airways.
Initially a charter operator, Sun Country expanded into scheduled flights in 1995, serving major U.S. cities from its Minneapolis hub. Financial difficulties led to a suspension of operations in 2001 and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2008, exacerbated by the 2008 recession and a $3.25 billion Ponzi scheme by Petters Group Worldwide, which acquired the airline in 2006. The airline furloughed 45 of its 156 pilots and reduced flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles, introducing fees for the first checked bag.
In July 2011, the Davis family, owners of Cambria, purchased Sun Country out of bankruptcy for $34 million, with Marty Davis as chairman. Zarir Erani was appointed president and CEO in 2015, achieving a $27 million net income in 2015, though profits dropped 41% to $16 million in 2016. After missing earnings projections, Jude Bricker, formerly of Allegiant Air, became CEO in July 2017, shifting Sun Country toward an ultra-low-cost model by eliminating First Class and retrofitting aircraft for higher-density seating. In December 2017, Apollo Global Management acquired the airline, and in 2019, Amazon Air purchased a minority stake, enabling Sun Country to operate cargo flights starting in May 2020. Apollo sold its remaining shares in February 2025 via a secondary public offering.
In 2024, Sun Country reported record revenue of $260.4 million for Q4 and $1.08 billion for the full year, projecting $330–$340 million for Q1 2025. Its partnership with Amazon Air extended to 2030, with the cargo fleet growing from 12 to 20 Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft by June 2024.
Sun Country operates a fleet of 64 aircraft (as of March 2025), including 44 passenger Boeing 737-800s and 20 freighter Boeing 737-800BCFs for Amazon Air. The average fleet age is approximately 12 years, with newer 737-800s featuring fuel-efficient engines, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 14% compared to older models. All passenger aircraft are configured in an all-Economy layout with three seating options: Standard (30-inch pitch, USB ports), Exit Row (39-inch legroom), and Best (34-inch legroom, adjustable headrests, extra recline, AC power, free premium beverage).
Sun Country’s sustainability efforts include adopting fuel-efficient aircraft and optimizing flight operations to reduce emissions. Its cargo operations for Amazon Air enhance efficiency by stabilizing revenue during off-peak seasons. The airline’s maintenance hangar at MSP supports eco-friendly practices through rigorous safety and technical standards.