Photo: Allegiant Las Vegas-based integrated travel company Allegiant has officially completed its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines Holdings, creating one of the largest leisure-focused airline groups in the United States.
The deal brings together two carriers known for serving vacation travelers with low-fare routes across smaller and mid-sized markets. Following regulatory approvals and shareholder backing, the transaction officially closed this week, giving the combined company a fleet of 195 aircraft serving nearly 175 cities.
Sun Country. Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.comAllegiant CEO Gregory C. Anderson called the merger “a defining moment” for the company, saying the partnership will expand affordable travel options while strengthening the airline’s long term position in the leisure market.
Both airlines will continue operating under their existing brands for now, meaning customers will still book flights, manage reservations, and use loyalty programs separately through each carrier. Allegiant confirmed there will be no immediate changes to scheduled flights, reservations, or frontline operational roles during the integration process.
The combined company expects the merger to improve operational flexibility and create broader travel options for customers across the United States and select international destinations. Together, the airlines will operate more than 650 routes and serve around 22 million passengers annually.
A major part of the transaction also involves Sun Country’s diversified business model, which includes cargo flying for Amazon Prime Air as well as charter contracts for casinos, sports teams, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Allegiant believes these operations will complement its own charter services and help create a more stable revenue stream beyond traditional passenger travel.
Financially, Allegiant expects approximately $140 million in annual synergies within three years through fleet optimization, procurement savings, and expanded network opportunities. The company also said the acquisition is expected to boost earnings during the first full year after integration while maintaining financial flexibility.
Greg Anderson will remain CEO of the combined company, while Robert Neal will serve as president and chief financial officer. Several Sun Country executives have also joined Allegiant’s board of directors.
Following the completion of the acquisition, Sun Country shares have stopped trading on NASDAQ, while Allegiant will continue trading under the ticker symbol ALGT.