Last Updated on July 29, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Sun Country Airlines is no longer an independent public company. Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country on May 13, 2026, making the Minnesota-based airline a wholly owned subsidiary. Sun Country still operates under its familiar brand during the integration period, but its former SNCY shares no longer trade on Nasdaq.
Quick Answer
As of July 29, 2026, Sun Country Airlines is owned by Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT). Allegiant completed the acquisition on May 13, 2026, making Sun Country a wholly owned subsidiary. Sun Country’s former SNCY shares stopped trading, although the airline continues to operate under its own brand during integration.
Key Takeaways
- Allegiant Travel Company owns Sun Country Airlines after completing its acquisition on May 13, 2026.
- Sun Country is no longer separately traded under SNCY; Allegiant continues to trade under NASDAQ: ALGT.
- Sun Country and Allegiant still use separate booking systems, tickets, brands, and rewards programs during integration.
- Sun Country’s ownership history includes two bankruptcies, the Davis family, Apollo-managed funds, public shareholders, and now Allegiant.
Who Owns Sun Country Airlines Today?
Allegiant Travel Company owns Sun Country Airlines. According to the company’s May 13, 2026 SEC filing, the acquisition made Sun Country a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant.
Allegiant is a publicly traded company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker ALGT. That means Allegiant’s shareholders indirectly own Sun Country through their ownership of Allegiant. Sun Country itself is no longer an independently traded public company.
Sun Country Airlines is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company, but the Sun Country brand continues to operate during the airlines’ integration.
Note: Ownership and branding are not the same thing. Allegiant owns the company, but passengers may still see Sun Country aircraft, websites, employees, tickets, airport counters, and rewards accounts while the two airlines operate separately.
Sun Country’s Ownership Timeline
Sun Country’s history includes several shutdowns, restructurings, private owners, and public-market changes. The table below shows the major events.
| 1982–1983 | The company was formed in 1982 and began flying in January 1983 with employees and investors connected to the former Braniff International Airways. |
| 2001–2003 | Sun Country stopped flying and entered bankruptcy in 2001. A local investor group acquired key assets, and flights resumed in 2003. |
| 2006–2008 | Petters Group Aviation and Whitebox Advisors acquired the airline. Sun Country filed for Chapter 11 again in October 2008 after severe financial pressure and the collapse of the Petters organization. |
| 2011–2018 | Mitch and Marty Davis acquired Sun Country for about $34 million in July 2011 and operated it as a privately held airline. |
| 2018–2021 | Investment funds managed by Apollo Global Management completed their acquisition on April 11, 2018 and supported Sun Country’s transition toward its current low-cost, scheduled-service, charter, and cargo model. |
| 2021–2026 | Sun Country began trading publicly under SNCY on March 17, 2021. Apollo-managed funds later sold their remaining shares, leaving ownership spread among public investors. |
| May 13, 2026–present | Allegiant completed its acquisition. Sun Country became a wholly owned Allegiant subsidiary, and SNCY shares stopped trading. |
How Bankruptcy Reshaped Sun Country
Bankruptcy affected Sun Country more than once. The airline stopped operating in 2001, restarted in 2003, and entered Chapter 11 again in 2008. These events changed its owners, reduced its financial obligations, and shaped the lower-cost business model it later adopted.
The 2001 Shutdown and 2003 Restart
Sun Country stopped flying in December 2001 as the airline industry struggled after the September 11 attacks. A local investor group later acquired key assets, and the airline restarted service in April 2003. This episode is important because the current airline grew from the restructured operation rather than continuing under an unchanged ownership structure.
Chapter 11 Restructuring
Sun Country filed for Chapter 11 protection on October 6, 2008. The filing followed months of fuel-price pressure and the financial collapse surrounding former owner Tom Petters. Chapter 11 allowed the airline to continue operating while separating itself from the failed ownership group and reorganizing its finances.
The restructuring did not by itself create Sun Country’s later low-cost model, but it cleared the way for new ownership and a more disciplined operation. The Davis family bought the airline in July 2011 after an auction managed through the bankruptcy process.
Post-Bankruptcy Ownership Shift
The Davis purchase returned Sun Country to private ownership. The family focused on keeping the airline operating, strengthening its finances, and preserving its Minnesota base. Later management changes and the sale to Apollo-managed funds opened the next stage of the airline’s transformation.
The Davis Family Years
Mitch and Marty Davis acquired Sun Country in July 2011 for about $34 million. The family was also associated with Minnesota-based Cambria, and Marty Davis served as Sun Country’s chairman.
During the Davis period, Sun Country remained privately held and continued developing its leisure network. The airline also went through leadership and strategy changes as it looked for a more sustainable place in a competitive industry.
The Davis family agreed to sell Sun Country in December 2017. The transaction with Apollo-managed investment funds closed on April 11, 2018. Sun Country’s later public offering occurred under Apollo ownership, not during the Davis family’s ownership period.
Sun Country Under Apollo
Investment funds managed by Apollo Global Management completed their acquisition of Sun Country on April 11, 2018. The deal had been announced in December 2017, which explains why some histories list 2017 even though the change of control occurred in 2018.
Under Apollo ownership and a new management team, Sun Country expanded its low-cost strategy and built a more diversified business. Instead of relying only on scheduled passenger flights, the airline also used aircraft and crews for charter flying and cargo service.
A major step came through Sun Country’s cargo agreement with Amazon. An amended 2024 agreement with Amazon extended the relationship through 2030, with options for further extensions.
Apollo did not immediately leave when Sun Country went public. Apollo-affiliated entities remained major shareholders after the IPO and reduced their position through later sales. In February 2025, an Apollo affiliate offered all of its remaining Sun Country shares.
How Sun Country Went Public
Sun Country priced its initial public offering on March 16, 2021. It offered 9,090,909 shares at $24 per share, and the stock began trading on Nasdaq under the symbol SNCY on March 17. The offering closed on March 19.
The IPO gave Sun Country access to public capital and allowed a wider group of investors to own shares. It did not mean that Apollo’s ownership disappeared immediately, because Apollo-affiliated funds continued to hold a large position and sold shares over time.
Sun Country remained a public company until the Allegiant acquisition closed on May 13, 2026. On that date, SNCY trading was suspended. Former Sun Country shareholders received the merger consideration, and Allegiant’s shares continued trading under ALGT.
What Allegiant’s $1.5 Billion Deal Includes
Allegiant and Sun Country announced their agreement on January 11, 2026. The companies valued the transaction at approximately $1.5 billion, including about $400 million of Sun Country net debt.
When the transaction closed, each eligible Sun Country share was converted into the right to receive:
- $4.10 in cash
- 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock
The announced value was $18.89 per Sun Country share based on Allegiant’s share price when the agreement was announced. That represented a 19.8% premium over Sun Country’s January 9, 2026 closing price.
Former Allegiant shareholders were expected to hold about 67% of the combined public company on a fully diluted basis. Former Sun Country shareholders were expected to hold about 33%. This was a split between shareholder groups, not a statement that Allegiant owned only 67% of Sun Country. Sun Country became a wholly owned Allegiant subsidiary.
At closing, the companies said their combined operations included approximately:
- 22 million annual passengers
- Nearly 175 served cities
- More than 650 routes
- 195 aircraft
Allegiant also projected about $140 million in annual cost and revenue benefits within three years. That figure is a company forecast rather than a guaranteed result.
What the Merger Means for Travelers and Shareholders
The merger changed Sun Country’s corporate owner immediately, but it did not create an instant passenger-facing merger. Allegiant and Sun Country said they would continue operating as separate carriers in the near term while working through integration and regulatory requirements.
What Happened to Sun Country Shareholders?
Former SNCY shareholders stopped owning Sun Country shares when the transaction closed. Each eligible share was converted into the cash-and-stock merger consideration. SNCY shares stopped trading, while the Allegiant shares received through the transaction trade under ALGT.
Investors who held SNCY through a brokerage account should see the transaction handled by their broker. Tax treatment can depend on the investor’s cost basis and circumstances, so anyone needing personal tax guidance should consult a qualified tax professional.
What Travelers Should Do Now
Sun Country passengers should continue using Sun Country’s website, mobile app, airport counters, and customer-service channels for Sun Country bookings. Allegiant passengers should continue using Allegiant’s systems.
Pro Tip: Manage a reservation through the airline that issued the ticket. A Sun Country ticket is currently valid on Sun Country flights, while an Allegiant ticket is valid on Allegiant flights. The two booking systems are not yet interchangeable.
According to the official Sun Country acquisition FAQ:
- Existing reservations do not need to be rebooked.
- Current Sun Country vouchers remain valid under their existing terms.
- Sun Country Rewards points retain their value.
- Sun Country Rewards and Allegiant Allways Rewards remain separate.
- Points cannot currently be combined or used interchangeably.
- Sun Country tickets cannot currently be used for Allegiant flights, or vice versa.
- Minneapolis–St. Paul remains an important Sun Country operating center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Sun Country Airlines Affiliated With?
Sun Country is owned by Allegiant Travel Company. It also has commercial relationships with companies and organizations such as Amazon for cargo service and Major League Soccer, casinos, collegiate teams, and government customers for charter flights. These contracts are business relationships, not ownership stakes or a traditional global airline alliance.
Is Sun Country a Good Airline?
Sun Country can be a good value when its nonstop routes and final price fit your trip. It is a low-cost airline, so seat selection, full-size carry-on bags, and checked bags may cost extra. Compare the complete fare rather than the advertised base price, and review recent reliability and complaint information in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Reports.
What Is the Most Untrusted Airline?
There is no official or permanent “most untrusted airline.” Customer experiences vary by route and date. A fair comparison should use recent DOT data for delays, cancellations, baggage handling, refunds, oversales, and consumer complaints rather than a single review score or viral ranking.
Who Is Buying Out Sun Country Airlines?
Allegiant Travel Company acquired Sun Country Airlines. The transaction is no longer pending: it closed on May 13, 2026, after receiving the required regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Is Sun Country Still Publicly Traded?
No. Sun Country’s SNCY shares stopped trading when the Allegiant acquisition closed. Allegiant Travel Company remains publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker ALGT.
Can I Use a Sun Country Ticket on Allegiant?
Not currently. A ticket issued by Sun Country remains valid for Sun Country flights, and a ticket issued by Allegiant remains valid for Allegiant flights. Continue managing the booking through the airline that issued it.
What Happens to Sun Country Rewards Points?
Sun Country says existing Rewards points retain their value and can still be earned and redeemed through Sun Country. Sun Country Rewards and Allegiant Allways Rewards remain separate, and balances cannot currently be combined or transferred between the programs.
Conclusion
Sun Country Airlines is owned by Allegiant Travel Company. The acquisition closed on May 13, 2026, ending Sun Country’s period as an independently traded public company. Its former SNCY stock stopped trading, while Allegiant continues to trade under ALGT.
For passengers, the ownership change does not mean that every part of the two airlines has already merged. Sun Country continues using its own brand, website, tickets, reservations, and rewards program during integration. Travelers should continue working with the airline that issued their reservation until an official change is announced.
Sources
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Sun Country closing Form 8-K — confirms the May 13, 2026 closing, ownership change, merger consideration, and SNCY delisting.
- Allegiant Travel Company — Acquisition completion announcement — supports the combined-company figures and immediate passenger guidance.
- Sun Country Airlines — Acquisition FAQs — supports current booking, ticket, voucher, rewards, and customer-service instructions.
- Sun Country Airlines — IPO pricing announcement — confirms the March 2021 IPO price and trading date.
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Sun Country IPO prospectus — supports Apollo’s acquisition date and pre-IPO ownership structure.
- Minnesota Star Tribune — History of Sun Country Airlines — supports the airline’s early history, bankruptcies, restarts, Petters ownership, and Davis acquisition.