Allegiant To Acquire Sun Country Airlines In $1.5 Billion Deal
Minnesota’s airline landscape is changing fast. Sun Country Airlines, headquartered in Minneapolis, has agreed to be acquired by Allegiant in a deal valued at $1.5 billion. The transaction combines two leisure focused airlines with very different geographic strengths.
What The Deal Includes
Sun Country shareholders receive a mix of Allegiant stock and cash. After closing, the combined company operates under the Allegiant name, with headquarters in Las Vegas. Sun Country leadership joins Allegiant’s board and assists with integration.
Both airlines will continue operating separately until federal approval is finalized. That means no immediate changes for travelers booking flights out of MSP.
Why MSP Still Matters
Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport remains central to this deal. Sun Country is currently the second largest airline at MSP and controls much of Terminal 2. Allegiant has committed to maintaining a significant presence in the Twin Cities.
For Minnesota travelers, that means continued access to nonstop leisure routes and seasonal destinations.
The Amazon Cargo Factor
One of the most important pieces of this merger is cargo. Sun Country operates a growing Amazon cargo fleet that has delivered record revenue growth. This business gives the combined airline consistent income beyond vacation travel and could stabilize operations during slower seasons.
What Travelers Should Watch
More routes and scheduling flexibility are promised. Loyalty programs, pricing strategies, and long term branding remain open questions. Over time, Sun Country’s name may disappear, even if flights out of MSP continue.
This deal signals how valuable Minnesota based operations remain in the national travel economy.
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