A surprise Sunday announcement shook up the aviation world today as Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines announced a definitive agreement to merge, creating one of the largest leisure-focused airlines in the United States.
Under the terms of the agreement, Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash and stock transaction that values Sun Country at approximately $1.5 billion, including about $400 million in net debt. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both boards and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
A Bigger Leisure Airline With Complementary Strengths
The combination brings together two carriers built around flexible capacity models, seasonal leisure demand, and diversified operations that include scheduled passenger service, charter flying, and cargo.
Once combined, the airline would serve roughly 22 million passengers annually, flying to nearly 175 cities across more than 650 routes with a fleet of approximately 195 aircraft. The airlines said the merger pairs Allegiant’s strength in small and mid-sized communities with Sun Country’s presence in larger cities and international leisure markets.
Allegiant currently operates a predominantly Airbus narrowbody fleet, centered on A320-family aircraft, while also introducing Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into its operation in late 2024. As of January 2026, Allegiant operates the following aircraft:
- 28 Airbus A319-100s
- 83 Airbus A320-200s
- 16 Boeing 737 MAX 8s
Sun Country operates an all-Boeing fleet, consisting primarily of 737-800 aircraft for passenger service, along with 737-800 converted freighters supporting its cargo operations. Sun Country’s fleet includes:
- 45 Boeing 737-800s
- 20 Boeing 737-800BCFs (operated for Amazon Prime Air)
- 3 Boeing 737-900ERs
Executives stated that the combined airline will benefit from operating both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, allowing for greater flexibility in fleet deployment, sourcing, and long-term capacity planning.
Gregory C. Anderson, Allegiant’s CEO, said the deal expands the airline’s reach while reinforcing its core leisure focus.
“This combination is an exciting next chapter in Allegiant and Sun Country’s shared mission in providing affordable, reliable, and convenient service from underserved communities to premier leisure destinations,” Anderson said. “Together, our complementary networks will expand our reach to more vacation destinations, including international locations.”
Together, our complementary networks will expand our reach to more vacation destinations, including international destinations.
Gregory C. Anderson | Allegiant CEO
What It Means for Passengers
For travelers, the merger of Allegiant and Sun Country will translate into more destination choices, expanded nonstop service, and improved scheduling flexibility. Sun Country’s international network across Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean will open new options for Allegiant customers flying from smaller US markets.
The airlines also plan to combine their loyalty programs, creating a significantly larger rewards platform with expanded earning opportunities, richer benefits, and greater flexibility for frequent travelers.
Integrated scheduling and fleet planning are expected to enhance reliability, enabling the airline to quickly adjust capacity to match peak leisure demand and emerging travel trends.
Customers with questions about the Allegiant and Sun Country merger are encouraged to find their answers on an extensive FAQ website.
The airlines have also set up a website dedicated to the merger process at soaringforleisure.com.
Employees, Stability, and Minneapolis-St. Paul
Leadership emphasized that the Allegiant and Sun Country merger will create new opportunities for employees across a larger network and fleet. Sun Country’s long-term charter and cargo partnerships, including its established narrowbody freighter operation, are expected to provide more year-round stability for pilots, crews, and operational teams.
Sun Country President and CEO Jude Bricker described the announcement as a milestone moment for the airline.
“Today marks an exciting next step in our history as we join Allegiant to create one of the leading leisure travel companies in the US,” Bricker said. “We are two customer-centric organizations, deeply committed to delivering affordable travel experiences without compromising on quality.”
Today marks an exciting next step in our history as we join Allegiant to create one of the leading leisure travel companies in the US.
Jude Bricker | Sun Country President and CEO
The combined company will be headquartered at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, and has also committed to maintaining a significant presence at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), which will remain an important base of operations and focus city.
Leadership, Operations, and What Comes Next
Following the close of the transaction, Allegiant will remain the parent company, and the combined airline will operate under the Allegiant name. Both airlines will continue operating separately until a single FAA operating certificate is obtained. There will be no immediate changes to ticketing, flight schedules, or the Sun Country brand.
Gregory C. Anderson will lead the combined airline as CEO. Jude Bricker will step down from the CEO role and join the board, also serving as an advisor to support the integration.
After years of speculation about consolidation in the leisure airline space, Sunday’s announcement signals that those pressures are now turning into action. If approved, the Allegiant and Sun Country merger would reshape the US leisure travel landscape with a carrier built around flexible fleets, adaptable networks, and vacation-focused flying.
