Quantcast

Sun Country Airlines open to merger talks but maintains independence

American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Sun Country Airlines open to merger talks but maintains independence
Policy
Webp suncountryairlines
Sun Country Airlines | Wikipedia

Sun Country Airlines, based in Minneapolis, has expressed openness to potential mergers with other airlines. However, it emphasizes that such moves are not the primary focus for its future as an ultra-low-cost carrier.

The airline operates from Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport and serves approximately 140 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its fleet consists of 45 passenger aircraft and 12 cargo-only planes operated for Amazon Prime.

Dave Davis, Chief Financial Officer of Sun Country Airlines, stated at a recent Barclays Industrial Select Conference that while the airline is open to mergers and acquisitions, this is not their primary strategy. He said: "We think there are combinations with Sun Country that make sense and we continue to look at things. It’s certainly not our base plan, but I do believe the industry needs to consolidate on the low-cost side. It feels like some combinations are coming."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Despite being open to merger discussions, Sun Country Airlines does not plan to order new aircraft currently. The airline primarily serves the Midwest and operates seasonal flights to popular tourist spots. It also has a significant partnership with Amazon through which it provides 12 Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft for Amazon Prime operations.

Davis highlighted that their unique business model might complicate potential mergers due to their cargo operations: "The uniqueness of our model makes it a little more difficult for us. You know, we’ve got 20 freighters, which is different" from passenger-focused carriers.

While no specific merger talks have been confirmed by Simple Flying or any other sources, there is notable activity in the airline industry regarding mergers and acquisitions. This includes failed attempts by JetBlue and Frontier Airlines to acquire Spirit Airlines.

Sun Country's Chief Executive Jude Bricker noted that mergers in the ultra-low-cost sector could benefit consumers. Despite its openness to discussions about possible partnerships if approached by another carrier, Sun Country intends to remain independent.

Founded on July 2, 1982, Sun Country commenced operations on January 20, 1983. It remains headquartered at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport and employs over 2,500 people. The airline holds several interline agreements with China Airlines, Condor, Emirates, EVA Air, Hawaiian Airlines, and Icelandair.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics data for Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport operations share in February 2025: Delta Air Lines leads with 58.08%, followed by SkyWest at 8.31%, while Sun Country ranks third with around a 5.8% share.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the addition of six new destinations to its 2025 flight schedule.

Apr 4, 2025

Fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly significant in the aviation sector, affecting economic savings and environmental impacts.

Apr 4, 2025

The Pilatus PC-24, a light business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aviation, is notable for its performance and versatility, combining capabilities often seen in larger aircraft.

Apr 4, 2025

Europe has a rich history in aviation, with several of its airports dating back to the early 20th century, a testament to their long-standing significance in global air travel.

Apr 4, 2025

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are set to meet with Boeing executives this Wednesday to review the events that occurred during their previous mission aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Apr 4, 2025

Delta Air Lines is significantly expanding its use of widebody aircraft on domestic flights this summer, scheduling 12,470 round-trip services.

Apr 4, 2025