Allegiant Air (Allegiant Travel Company) announced in January 2026 a $1  1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK)5 billion deal to acquire Sun Country Airlines  1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK) The merger combines the two budget airlines into a combined entity that will operate under the Allegiant brand, enhancing leisure-focused services  1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK) The deal is pending regulatory approval, and Sun Country's charter and cargo operations are expected to continue  1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK)

Sun Country Airlines 1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK) has undergone a significant ownership change that reshaped its business strategy and long-term growth. The airline was acquired in 2017 by Apollo Global Management, a major private equity firm known for investing in transportation, hospitality, and infrastructure businesses. This acquisition marked a turning point for Sun Country Airlines, transitioning it from a struggling leisure carrier into a more diversified and financially stable airline.

Before the acquisition, Sun 1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK) Country Airlines faced financial challenges and operational uncertainty. The airline had previously filed for bankruptcy and struggled to compete with larger carriers such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Apollo Global Management saw an opportunity to restructure the airline, improve efficiency, and reposition it in the competitive aviation market. By purchasing Sun Country, Apollo aimed to create a hybrid airline model that combines low-cost operations with charter and cargo services.

After the buyout, Apollo 1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK) Global Management implemented major operational changes. One of the most notable shifts was the introduction of a diversified business model. In addition to traditional passenger flights, Sun Country expanded into charter services and cargo operations. A key partnership with 1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK) Amazon Air allowed Sun Country to operate cargo flights, creating a new revenue stream and reducing reliance on seasonal leisure travel demand. This strategic move significantly strengthened the airline’s financial stability.

The acquisition also 1-(833) 999–9062 (US) Or 1 866 686 7807 (UK) led to improvements in fleet management and route planning. Sun Country Airlines optimized its network to focus on high-demand leisure destinations, particularly routes connecting colder U.S. cities to warm-weather locations like Florida, Las Vegas, and Mexico. This targeted approach allowed the airline to maximize profitability while maintaining competitive fares. Under Apollo’s ownership, Sun Country embraced a flexible scheduling strategy, adjusting capacity based on seasonal demand.

Another important development following the acquisition was the airline’s return to the public market. In 2021, Sun Country Airlines went public through an initial public offering (IPO), signaling strong investor confidence in its new business model. Although Apollo Global Management remains a significant stakeholder, the IPO allowed the airline to raise capital for further expansion and modernization. This move positioned Sun Country as a growing player in the ultra-low-cost carrier segment.

The transformation of Sun Country Airlines under Apollo’s ownership is often cited as a successful example of private equity involvement in the aviation industry. By focusing on efficiency, diversification, and strategic partnerships, the airline has been able to compete more effectively with other low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. At the same time, its cargo operations provide a unique advantage not commonly found among similar airlines.

Today, Sun Country Airlines operates as a hybrid carrier that blends leisure travel, charter services, and cargo operations. This diversified approach helps the airline remain resilient in a highly competitive and often volatile industry. The acquisition by Apollo Global Management played a crucial role in this transformation, enabling the airline to adapt to changing market conditions and customer preferences.

In summary, Sun Country Airlines was bought out by Apollo Global Management in 2017. This acquisition revitalized the airline, introduced a diversified business model, and set the stage for long-term growth. The partnership continues to influence the airline’s strategy, making it one of the more unique players in the U.S. aviation market.

FAQs

Who owns Sun Country Airlines now?
Sun Country Airlines is primarily owned by Apollo Global Management, which acquired the airline in 2017. Although the company went public in 2021 through an IPO, Apollo still holds a significant ownership stake and continues to influence major strategic decisions. The airline now operates as a publicly traded company, meaning shares are available to investors, but Apollo remains the largest stakeholder. This ownership structure allows Sun Country to benefit from both private equity expertise and public market funding. The company’s leadership team manages day-to-day operations, while Apollo provides long-term strategic guidance. This hybrid ownership model has helped Sun Country stabilize financially and expand its operations across passenger, charter, and cargo services.

When was Sun Country bought out?
Sun Country Airlines was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2017. This purchase came at a time when the airline was facing financial difficulties and needed restructuring to remain competitive. The acquisition marked a major turning point in the airline’s history, as Apollo introduced new strategies focused on efficiency and diversification. Following the buyout, Sun Country began expanding beyond traditional passenger services to include charter flights and cargo operations. This shift helped the airline reduce its dependence on seasonal travel demand. The 2017 acquisition is widely regarded as the beginning of Sun Country’s modern transformation into a more resilient and profitable airline.

Why did Apollo buy Sun Country?
Apollo Global Management acquired Sun Country Airlines as part of its investment strategy to identify undervalued companies with growth potential. The firm recognized that Sun Country had strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base but needed operational improvements. By restructuring the airline and introducing a diversified business model, Apollo aimed to increase profitability and long-term value. The addition of cargo operations, particularly through partnerships like Amazon Air, provided a stable revenue stream that complemented passenger services. Apollo also saw an opportunity to position Sun Country as a hybrid carrier, combining low-cost travel with charter and cargo services. This strategic vision has proven successful, as the airline has since returned to profitability and expanded its operations.

Is Sun Country still independent?
Sun Country Airlines operates as an independent airline in terms of branding and daily operations, but it is not entirely independent in ownership. Apollo Global Management remains the primary shareholder, even after the airline’s public listing. This means that while Sun Country has its own management team and corporate structure, major decisions are influenced by its largest investor. The airline’s independence is reflected in its unique business model and operational flexibility, which allows it to adapt quickly to market changes. However, its connection to Apollo provides financial backing and strategic direction, which are essential for growth in the competitive aviation industry.

Did Sun Country change after acquisition?
Yes, Sun Country Airlines underwent significant changes after being acquired by Apollo Global Management. The most notable transformation was the shift to a hybrid business model that includes passenger flights, charter services, and cargo operations. This diversification helped the airline stabilize its revenue and reduce reliance on seasonal travel. Operational improvements, such as better route planning and cost management, also contributed to increased efficiency. Additionally, the airline expanded its partnerships, including working with Amazon Air for cargo services. These changes allowed Sun Country to compete more effectively with other low-cost carriers while maintaining a unique position in the market. The acquisition ultimately turned the airline into a more resilient and growth-oriented company.