Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country began flight operations in January 1983 with a single Boeing 727-200 jetliner.[4] The airline's original staff consisted of sixteen pilots, sixteen flight attendants, three mechanics and one office person. A number of the original employees had previously worked for Braniff International Airways, which ceased operations on May 12, 1982.[5][4] The company's founder and first President/CEO was Captain Jim Olsen, who also acted as Chief Pilot. His wife, Joan Smith-Olsen, acted as Chief Flight Attendant and Head of Inflight Operations.[6]

In 1988, its headquarters were located on the grounds of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.[7]

In 2001, the company suspended operations due to financial troubles.[8]

In July 2006, the airline was acquired by Petters Group Worldwide and Whitebox Advisors.[9]

Following the replacement of interim CEO Jay Salmen by Stan Gadek, former CFO of AirTran Airways, Sun Country was nearly finished by the major recession of 2008 and the revelation of financial fraud.[10] The airline furloughed 45 of its 156 pilots and scaled back its summer schedule due to rising fuel costs. Sun Country indicated it had hoped to get up to $50 million in loans or other financial help from the state of Minnesota and the airports commission.[11] In September 2008 the carrier reduced, and in some cases eliminated, flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles. It also began charging for the first checked bag.[12] At the end of September 2008, Gadek called for a 50% pay-deferral to all remaining employees. Tom Petters resigned after an FBI probe discovered that the airline had suffered financial fraud on a massive scale.[10][13] Following this, the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time, on October 6, 2008.[14]

New seats on the Sun Country Boeing 737-800 in January 2019. Arranged in an all-economy layout.

In July 2011, Sun Country was bought out of bankruptcy for $34 million by the Davis family, owners of Cambria, a Minnesota-based countertop company.[15][16] Marty Davis, CEO of Cambria, became Chairman.

In 2015, the Sun Country board hired Zarir Erani as President and CEO.[17] The airline had a net income of $27 million in 2015, followed by a 41% drop to $16 million in 2016.[17]

In July 2017, after more than a year of missed monthly earnings projections, Davis replaced Erani as interim President and CEO, with Erani moving to other duties within the Davis family of companies.[17] Jude Bricker, previously of Allegiant Air, was appointed as CEO one week after Erani stepped down.[18] As part of its strategy, Sun Country had begun to move towards being a "no frills" airline.[19]

On December 14, 2017, the Davis brothers announced they would be selling the airline to funds affiliated with New York Based Apollo Global Management for an undisclosed amount.[20]

On December 17, 2019, Amazon Air bought a minority stake in Sun Country from Apollo, with plans for the airline to operate cargo flights under the Amazon Air brand.[21] As Sun Country's passenger model is heavily leisure focused, this deal is designed to help stabilize revenues during non-peak seasons.

New Sun Country all-economy seats featuring 183 seats on board. All seats have in-seat USB power.

The key trends for Sun Country Airlines are (years ending December 31):

Sun Country destinations (February 2019)

As of February 2021, Sun Country Airlines flies to 55 destinations and operates 88 routes throughout the Caribbean, United States, Mexico and Central America.[33][34] Many Sun Country destinations are seasonally served as demand grows an falls throughout the year. The airline additionally provides charter service for the United States Armed Forces[35] and NCAA football teams.[36]

Sun Country has an interline agreement with Condor.[38]

The Sun Country Airlines fleet consists of Boeing 737 Next-Generation airplanes. Additional aircraft are leased seasonally between Transavia and Sun Country. During its slow summer season, Sun Country occasionally leases planes to Transavia, and during Transavia's slow winter season, the airline leases planes to Sun Country.[39]

In December 2019 Sun Country announced they would begin operating cargo flights for Amazon. Sun Country will initially operate ten cargo jets for Amazon Air.[40] The airline operated their first cargo flight for Amazon in May 2020.[41]

Sun Country Boeing 727-227 wearing the original livery

Sun Country used to offer First Class and Economy seats, but when the airline was sold to the Apollo Global Management, they changed the airline to a low cost carrier which means an all economy seat arrangement. Sun Country now offers three variations of economy seats: Best, Better, and Standard.[46]

Sun Country ran its first frequent flyer program, Sun Country VIP Club, from 2004 to July 2007, when it was replaced by Ufly. Ufly was replaced by Sun Country Rewards from November 2018.[47]