Sun Country Airlines Overview & Company Profile
Sun Country Airlines is a Minneapolis-based hybrid carrier that has carved out a distinctive niche in the U.S. airline landscape. Founded in 1983 and headquartered at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), the airline combines scheduled leisure passenger service, charter operations, and a rapidly growing cargo business flying Boeing 737-800 freighters for Amazon Air. This three-pillar business model sets Sun Country apart from virtually every other U.S. airline and has made it consistently profitable even as other low-cost carriers have struggled in the post-pandemic environment.
Sun Country went public on the NASDAQ (ticker: SNCY) in March 2021, and private equity firm Apollo Global Management sold its remaining shares in February 2025. The airline employs approximately 3,100 full-time equivalents and roughly 700 pilots represented by ALPA. In its full-year 2025 results, Sun Country reported a record $1.13 billion in revenue, up 4.7% from the prior year. The airline operates approximately 100 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America, with a peak-day record of 221 flights achieved in 2025.
President and CEO Jude Bricker, a former executive at Allegiant Air, has driven a strategy focused on variable capacity deployment: Sun Country aggressively scales its flying up or down depending on seasonal demand, keeping aircraft utilization flexible rather than maximizing it year-round. This approach has produced operating margins competitive with the best-performing legacy carriers, estimated at roughly 11.7% for 2026 by Deutsche Bank.
On January 11, 2026, Allegiant Travel Company and Sun Country announced a definitive merger agreement. Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion (including $400 million of net debt), at an implied price of $18.89 per share. The combined airline will fly under the Allegiant brand, be headquartered in Las Vegas, and maintain a significant presence in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. Until closing, both airlines operate independently. For pilots, this raises significant questions around seniority list integration, contract harmonization, and long-term career trajectory. ALPA represents Sun Country's roughly 700 pilots, while the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) represents Allegiant's approximately 1,400 pilots.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
Sun Country operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, which is one of its biggest selling points for pilots: a single type rating covers every aircraft in the operation. As of late 2025, the fleet totals approximately 69 aircraft split across passenger and cargo roles. The airline recently began introducing the Boeing 737-900ER to its passenger fleet, having redelivered aircraft from prior leases to other carriers. The cargo operation, exclusively serving Amazon Air, has grown rapidly from 12 to 20 freighters in 2025 alone, with two more expected in 2026.
| Aircraft Type | Role | In Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | Passenger | ~45 | Core passenger fleet. 189 seats in single-class configuration. ETOPS equipped for Hawaii and Alaska. |
| Boeing 737-900ER | Passenger | ~2 | Entering scheduled service from September 2025. Routes include MSP to Phoenix, Las Vegas, Fort Myers, Orlando. |
| Boeing 737-800BCF | Freighter (Cargo) | 20 | Converted freighters for Amazon Air. Eight added in 2025. Two more scheduled for spring/summer 2026. |
| Boeing 737-700 | Passenger | 1 | Legacy aircraft. Limited operations. |
Fleet data as of December 2025. Numbers are approximate and change with ongoing deliveries and retirements. Sun Country also owns five passenger aircraft leased to other airlines.
The single-type fleet means pilots at Sun Country never need to worry about lateral fleet transitions or bidding between narrowbody and widebody operations. Whether you are flying scheduled passengers to Cancun, charter flights to Las Vegas, or Amazon packages overnight, the cockpit is always a Boeing 737. This simplicity accelerates training, reduces overhead, and creates a straightforward career path.
Sun Country's partnership with Amazon Air is a major differentiator. Under a contract amended in June 2024 and running through 2030 (with extensions possible to 2037), Sun Country operates 737-800 converted freighters for Amazon's Prime Air network. Cargo revenue grew over 50% year-over-year in Q3 2025, reaching $107 million through the first three quarters, with projections of $215 million for fiscal 2026. The cargo fleet has doubled from 12 aircraft in early 2025 to 20 by year-end, with 22 expected by summer 2026. For pilots, this means diverse flying: you might fly passengers to Honolulu one week and Amazon freight overnight the next, all on the same type rating.
If the Allegiant merger closes as expected in H2 2026, the combined airline would operate approximately 195 aircraft: Allegiant's fleet of 121 Boeing 737s and Airbus A320-family jets, plus Sun Country's 69 aircraft (passenger and cargo). Allegiant has confirmed that Sun Country's Amazon cargo partnership will continue post-merger. For Sun Country pilots currently holding only a 737 type rating, the integration could eventually mean transitioning to Airbus A320 operations as well, depending on how fleet assignments are structured in the combined airline.
Pilot Salary & Compensation Breakdown
Sun Country pilot compensation is governed by the ALPA collective bargaining agreement ratified in late 2021, which became amendable in December 2025. The pilots filed their Section 6 notice to open new contract negotiations in August 2025, and talks are currently underway. Pay is based on hourly rates multiplied by a monthly guarantee, supplemented by per diems, premium pay for added flying, and a generous 401(k) contribution. The current contract represented a significant improvement over prior terms, though Sun Country pay still lags behind legacy carriers and some competing LCCs with more recently negotiated contracts.
First Officer (F/O) Pay Scale
| Seniority Year | Hourly Rate | Est. Annual Gross (75 hrs/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $83/hr | ~$75,000 - $80,000 |
| Year 2 | $51/hr* | ~$46,000 - $50,000 |
| Year 3 | $55/hr | ~$49,000 - $55,000 |
| Year 5 | $63/hr | ~$57,000 - $63,000 |
| Year 8 | ~$75/hr | ~$68,000 - $75,000 |
| Year 12 (top scale) | ~$108/hr | ~$97,000 - $110,000 |
*Note: Multiple sources report different Year 1/Year 2 rates. The $83/hr figure comes from a 2024 job posting with a 75-hour guarantee; older scale data shows lower hourly rates at Year 2 onward. Discrepancies may reflect contract amendments, signing bonuses, or guarantee structure changes. Annual estimates assume 75 hours/month and do not include per diem, premium pay, or 401(k) contributions.
Captain Pay Scale
| Seniority Year | Hourly Rate | Est. Annual Gross (75 hrs/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (probationary) | $31/hr | ~$28,000 (transition period) |
| Year 2 | $77/hr | ~$69,000 - $77,000 |
| Year 3 | $82/hr | ~$74,000 - $82,000 |
| Year 5 | $95/hr | ~$85,000 - $95,000 |
| Year 8 | ~$120/hr | ~$108,000 - $120,000 |
| Year 12 (top scale) | ~$163/hr | ~$147,000 - $163,000 |
Some industry projections estimate total Captain compensation at $220,000 to $294,000 at the top of the scale when including all pay components (per diem, premium flying, 401(k) contributions, overtime). Year 1 probationary rate is significantly lower and applies during initial upgrade training.
Pay rates compiled from Airline Pilot Central, airline job postings (AirlineApps), and industry salary databases (ATP Flight School, Epic Flight Academy). The current ALPA CBA became amendable in December 2025, and negotiations for a successor agreement are underway. Rates may change significantly with a new contract. French social charges or European tax considerations do not apply: U.S. federal and state income taxes are the relevant deductions. Minnesota has a state income tax of approximately 5.35% to 9.85% depending on bracket. Always verify current rates with the Sun Country ALPA Master Executive Council before making career decisions.
Additional Compensation Elements
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
Sun Country operates under FAR Part 121 flight and duty time regulations, with additional protections negotiated through the ALPA contract. The airline implemented a Preferential Bidding System (PBS) by the end of 2022, replacing the older line-bidding method. PBS allows pilots to express preferences for specific days off, trip pairings, and schedules, with awards determined by seniority. The single base at MSP means all pilots either live in the Minneapolis area or commute, a significant consideration for quality of life.
📅 Sample Month: Lineholder First Officer (MSP)
Sun Country's hybrid model creates a unique variety in day-to-day flying. Pilots may operate scheduled passenger flights to warm-weather destinations (Cancun, Fort Myers, Las Vegas), charter flights for sports teams, college groups, or military movements, and overnight Amazon cargo runs. This variety is frequently cited by pilots as one of the airline's biggest positives. However, the seasonal nature of the business means schedules can be busier during winter (peak leisure demand) and lighter in shoulder seasons.
Sun Country has a single domicile at Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP). All pilots park in covered short-term parking at Terminal 2, a perk that saves money and time. For trips starting and ending outside MSP, the company provides positive-space deadhead deviation tickets from an airport of your choice, which is a valuable benefit for commuters. That said, new hires should expect up to 1 year on reserve depending on hiring pace. The cost of living in the Twin Cities metro area is moderate by U.S. standards, significantly lower than coastal hubs like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Minneapolis offers a strong quality of life with excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant cultural scene, though winters are notoriously harsh.
Benefits, Travel Perks & Retirement
Sun Country offers a competitive benefits package that has improved significantly with the 2021 ALPA contract. The standout element is the 15% direct 401(k) contribution (effective January 2024), which the company makes regardless of whether the pilot contributes their own funds. This is among the most generous retirement contributions in the U.S. airline industry outside of legacy carriers' defined benefit plans, and it adds substantial value on top of base salary.
Sun Country's 15% direct 401(k) contribution is a major financial benefit that pilots should factor into total compensation calculations. On a Captain earning $150,000 in eligible earnings, this adds $22,500 per year in retirement savings, entirely employer-funded. Unlike match-based plans, pilots receive this contribution even without contributing any of their own money. Amounts exceeding the IRS annual 401(k) limit (currently $23,500 for under-50s, $31,000 for 50+) are paid directly to the pilot as additional compensation. Over a 25-year career, this benefit alone can accumulate to a significant retirement nest egg, especially with compound growth. This partially offsets the lower hourly rates compared to legacy carriers.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at Sun Country follows the standard ALPA seniority-based system. Upgrade from First Officer to Captain is determined by your position on the seniority list, with the timeline depending on growth, attrition, and retirement rates. Historically, Sun Country has offered relatively fast upgrade times compared to larger carriers, with reports indicating Captain upgrades achievable in approximately 3 to 5 years. However, the airline has faced challenges with "pilot production" in recent years: not a shortage of pilot bodies, but a bottleneck in training capacity, specifically a lack of line check airmen to conduct upgrade training.
| Career Milestone | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Join as First Officer (B737) | Day 1 | 10-week paid training in MSP. 75-hour guarantee during training. |
| Reserve period | ~6-12 months | Short call or long call reserve. Duration depends on hiring pace. |
| Line holder (F/O) | ~1-2 years | PBS bidding. Flying scheduled, charter, and cargo operations. |
| Captain upgrade | ~3-5 years | Seniority-based. Depends on growth, attrition, and training capacity. |
| Check Airman / Instructor | Variable | Separate selection. Critical role: SCA has been growing this group. |
The mandatory retirement schedule provides insight into future upgrade opportunities. According to Airline Pilot Central data, Sun Country expects approximately 10 mandatory retirements in 2025, 9 in 2026, 9 in 2027, and 14 in 2029. Combined with fleet growth (the Amazon cargo fleet expansion and new 737-900ER additions), this creates steady openings at the Captain level. In 2023, Sun Country had only five line check airmen available for upgrade training; that number grew to 19 and management targeted the high 30s, indicating the training bottleneck is being actively addressed.
The pending Allegiant merger introduces both uncertainty and potential opportunity. The combined airline would employ roughly 2,100 pilots (700 Sun Country + 1,400 Allegiant). Seniority list integration is one of the most complex and contentious aspects of any airline merger. ALPA has stated it has "90 years of experience negotiating mergers, large and small, between ALPA carriers and ALPA-to-non-ALPA carriers." The outcome will depend on negotiations between ALPA (Sun Country) and the IBT (Allegiant) or on the arbitration framework used. For current Sun Country pilots, a successful integration could open access to a much larger network with multiple bases, but it could also dilute seniority positions depending on how lists are combined. Prospective applicants should monitor this situation closely.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
Sun Country is actively hiring pilots and accepts applications on a rolling basis through AirlineApps. The airline recruits both experienced pilots and, through its college bridge programs, lower-time aviators from partnered institutions such as Minnesota State University. Training is 10 weeks in Minneapolis, fully paid with hotel accommodation and benefits from day one.
First Officer Requirements
Selection Process
Online Application
Submit application via AirlineApps. Include flight time records, certificates, resume, and references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Sun Country's hiring window is typically open continuously.
Phone Screen / Records Review
Qualified candidates receive a phone call or initial screening. Flight records and qualifications are verified. Background and employment history are checked.
In-Person Interview (MSP)
Interview conducted at Sun Country's facilities in Minneapolis. Typically includes a panel interview covering technical knowledge, CRM scenarios, and behavioral questions. Some candidates report a simulator evaluation component. Dress is business professional.
Conditional Offer & Background Check
Successful candidates receive a conditional job offer pending completion of background check, drug screening, and medical verification. FAA First Class Medical must be current.
Training (10 Weeks, MSP)
Paid training in Minneapolis. Includes ground school, simulator sessions, and operating experience. Company provides hotel accommodation, iPad, and benefits begin from day one. 75-hour pay guarantee during training period.
Sun Country partners with select aviation colleges to offer bridge programs for students and recent graduates. Through partnerships with institutions like Minnesota State University, qualifying candidates can apply with Restricted ATP minimums (as low as 1,000 hours with a bachelor's degree from an FAA Part 141 school with at least 30 credit hours in an aviation major). These programs provide a pathway from the classroom to a 737 cockpit without going through a regional airline first, which is an increasingly attractive option for aspiring pilots.
How Sun Country Compares: Airline Radar Chart
How does Sun Country stack up against the two other U.S. leisure-focused carriers most often compared to it: Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air? Below is a comparative analysis across five key metrics. Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available compensation data, pilot reports, and industry benchmarks.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Frontier leads on raw salary. Following its 2023 contract with FFT Pilots (independent union), Frontier now offers first-year F/O rates around $100/hour and Captain rates reaching $270/hour at the top of the scale. This significantly exceeds Sun Country's current rates, which are based on a 2021 contract now in renegotiation. If Sun Country secures a competitive new deal, this gap could narrow substantially.
Sun Country wins on benefits. The 15% direct 401(k) contribution is a standout that neither Frontier nor Allegiant can match. When factoring this into total compensation, the salary gap narrows considerably. Sun Country's travel benefits (standby from day one, buddy passes, discounted confirmed tickets) are also more generous than typical ULCC offerings.
Career progression is fast at all three. Upgrade to Captain at Sun Country takes approximately 3 to 5 years, comparable to Frontier and Allegiant. All three airlines have been growing and face steady attrition through mandatory retirements. Sun Country's single-type fleet (737 only) means there is no complex fleet bidding process, unlike Allegiant which operates both Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
Job security is nuanced. Sun Country's three-pillar revenue model (scheduled, charter, cargo) provides diversification that pure ULCCs lack. The Amazon cargo contract running through 2030 provides a revenue floor. However, the pending Allegiant merger introduces uncertainty around integration, seniority, and operational changes. Frontier, as an independent ULCC, faces its own competitive pressures but has a larger scale.
Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available pay scales, benefits data, pilot forum discussions, and industry benchmarks from Airline Pilot Central, ATP Flight School, and carrier websites. They represent a general assessment as of early 2026. All three airlines are in various stages of contract negotiations, and compensation/benefits could change significantly. Individual priorities (base location, fleet preference, career timeline, merger risk tolerance) should heavily influence any career decision.
Union & Industrial Relations
Sun Country pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world with over 80,000 members across 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. ALPA representation brings standardized grievance procedures, contract negotiation expertise, safety advocacy, and, critically in the current moment, decades of merger integration experience.
Contract History & Current Status
Sun Country pilots ratified a four-year ALPA contract in late 2021, which represented a major improvement in compensation and work rules at the time. The contract became amendable in December 2025, and the pilot group filed a Section 6 notice to open negotiations in August 2025. Talks for a successor agreement are currently underway. Key areas under negotiation are expected to include hourly pay rates (which lag behind recently negotiated contracts at Frontier, JetBlue, and others), work rules, scheduling protections, and benefits enhancements.
Labor Relations Climate
Sun Country has a stable labor relations history with no pilot strikes on record. The ALPA representation provides a structured framework for resolving disputes, and the current contract negotiations represent a routine process (the amendable date was always December 2025). The Allegiant merger adds a new layer of complexity, but ALPA's extensive merger experience (including successful integrations at Delta/Northwest, United/Continental, and American/US Airways involving ALPA pilot groups) provides a proven playbook. For prospective hires, ALPA membership is voluntary but strongly encouraged: the union negotiates on behalf of all pilots regardless of membership status, and the current moment (contract talks + merger) makes collective representation particularly important.
Verdict: Who Is Sun Country For?
🎯 Our Take
Sun Country Airlines is a unique proposition in the U.S. airline market. It offers pilots the chance to fly a Boeing 737 across a diverse range of operations (scheduled leisure, charter, and Amazon cargo) from a single, affordable Midwest base, with relatively fast upgrade times and a standout 15% 401(k) contribution. The airline's hybrid business model has proven more financially resilient than pure ULCCs, and the Amazon cargo partnership provides a reliable revenue stream that insulates against seasonal passenger demand fluctuations.
The trade-offs are equally clear: hourly pay rates under the current contract lag behind competitors with more recently negotiated deals, the single MSP base limits flexibility for pilots who don't want to live in or commute to Minnesota, and the pending Allegiant merger introduces significant uncertainty around seniority, base structure, and long-term career trajectory. Vacation accrual is slower than at legacy carriers, and the seasonal nature of leisure flying can mean uneven workloads throughout the year.
For MSP-based pilots, those seeking to bypass the regional airline system, or experienced aviators looking for a stable operation with growth potential and an interesting mix of flying, Sun Country deserves serious consideration. The coming months of contract negotiations and merger proceedings will be decisive in shaping the airline's future value proposition for pilots.
1 What type of flying does Sun Country offer?
Sun Country offers three types of flying: scheduled passenger service to leisure destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America; charter operations for sports teams, military, college groups, and corporate clients; and overnight cargo flights operating Boeing 737-800 converted freighters for Amazon Air. All three operations use the same aircraft type (Boeing 737), so a single type rating covers everything.
2 How long does it take to upgrade to Captain?
Upgrade to Captain at Sun Country has historically taken approximately 3 to 5 years, making it one of the faster upgrades among carriers operating Boeing 737 equipment. The timeline depends on growth rate, mandatory retirements (approximately 9 to 10 per year through the late 2020s), and training capacity. The airline has been investing in expanding its line check airman cadre to reduce training bottlenecks. The pending Allegiant merger could alter this timeline, depending on how seniority lists are integrated.
3 Is Sun Country a good alternative to starting at a regional airline?
For pilots who meet the ATP or Restricted ATP minimums, Sun Country can be an excellent alternative to the regional airline pathway. You fly a 737 from day one (no turboprop time), training is fully paid with hotel provided, and benefits (including 401(k) and travel) begin immediately. The college bridge programs allow graduates of qualifying Part 141 schools to apply with as few as 1,000 total flight hours. The main considerations are the single MSP base (commuting may be required), current hourly rates that are under negotiation, and the uncertainty of the Allegiant merger.
4 Do I need U.S. citizenship to fly for Sun Country?
No, U.S. citizenship is not strictly required, but you must have the legal right to work in the United States. Sun Country requires either a valid U.S. passport or a valid foreign passport with a green card (permanent resident card), plus the ability to travel to and from all cities and countries served by the airline. You also need a valid U.S. driver's license and an FCC Radiotelephone License.
5 What will happen to Sun Country pilots after the Allegiant merger?
The Allegiant merger, announced January 11, 2026, is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Until then, both airlines operate independently with no changes to daily operations, schedules, or pilot assignments. After closing, the key issues will be seniority list integration (Sun Country's ~700 ALPA pilots with Allegiant's ~1,400 IBT pilots), contract harmonization, and potential base expansion. ALPA has activated a merger committee and stated it will protect Sun Country pilot interests throughout the process. The combined airline will fly under the Allegiant brand but maintain a significant MSP presence. It is still too early to predict specific outcomes for individual pilots.
6 How does the 15% 401(k) contribution work?
Sun Country contributes 15% of each pilot's eligible earnings directly into their 401(k) account, regardless of whether the pilot contributes any of their own money. This is not a match; it is a direct company contribution. If the company's 15% contribution exceeds the IRS annual 401(k) limit (currently $23,500 for under-50s or $31,000 for those 50 and over), the excess is paid directly to the pilot as additional cash compensation. This benefit was phased in as part of the 2021 ALPA contract and reached the 15% level effective January 2024.
7 What is the commuter policy at Sun Country?
Sun Country offers a valuable commuter benefit: for trips that begin and end outside of MSP, the company provides positive-space (confirmed) deadhead deviation tickets from an airport of your choice. This means commuters are not left competing for jump seats on other airlines to get to work. Combined with the fact that all pilots receive free covered short-term parking at Terminal 2, MSP-based pilots enjoy particularly convenient logistics. That said, pilots should realistically evaluate commuting: new hires can expect up to 12 months on reserve, and short-call reserve requires a 2-hour callout with 30 minutes to report, which is challenging for long-distance commuters.
Official Links & Resources
Before applying or making any career decisions, always verify information directly with official sources. Below are the key websites and organizations relevant to a Sun Country Airlines pilot career:
Bookmark the ALPA Sun Country merger information page for the latest updates on the Allegiant integration process. Given that contract negotiations and merger proceedings are happening simultaneously in 2026, staying informed through official ALPA channels is essential for both current pilots and prospective applicants. For real-time pilot discussions, the Sun Country forum on Airline Pilot Forums is an active community resource.
