May 13, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Allegiant, the discount airline that carries Lehigh Valley travelers to warmer destinations, has completed its $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country Airlines.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant announced the deal in January, saying it would expand the airline’s offerings.
“With a combined fleet of 195 aircraft serving nearly 175 cities, we are expanding access to affordable, reliable, and convenient travel for the communities that have long been the foundation of our business, while offering customers broader reach and more destinations,” Allegiant Chief Executive Gregory C. Anderson said in press release today.
The transaction creates a bigger leisure airline, but Allegiant and Sun Country will for now operate separately.
“Customers can continue to book travel through existing channels, and there are no changes to current reservations, flight schedules, or travel plans,” according to a statement from Allegiant. The airlines’ customer-loyalty programs will also remain separate “in the near term” and all points and rewards will retain their value.
The transaction comes shortly after the bankruptcy of discount carrier Spirit Airlines.
Allegiant operates non-stop flights from Lehigh Valley International Airport to South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Colorado. Sun Country, based in Minneapolis, also flies to leisure destinations.
The closing price of shares of Allegiant (NASDAQ:ALGT) was $75.21 today, giving the air carrier a market capitalization of about $1.4 billion.
Credit-card holders will not see any changes, according to another Allegiant statement.
Here’s a link to the Allegiant statement and below is a cut-and-paste version:
Allegiant Completes Acquisition of Sun Country Airlines, Creating the Leading Leisure-Focused U.S. Airline
05/13/2026
Combination expands network, enhances scale, and strengthens diversified operations
LAS VEGAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced it has successfully completed its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCY), bringing together two complementary carriers focused on affordable leisure travel. The transaction closed following satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of each of Allegiant and Sun Country.
The combination strengthens Allegiant’s position as a leading U.S. leisure airline by expanding its network, increasing scale, and enhancing its diversified operating model.
“Today marks a defining moment in Allegiant’s history as we officially join forces with Sun Country to create the leading leisure-focused airline in the United States,” said Allegiant CEO Gregory C. Anderson. “With a combined fleet of 195 aircraft serving nearly 175 cities, we are expanding access to affordable, reliable, and convenient travel for the communities that have long been the foundation of our business, while offering customers broader reach and more destinations. By bringing together two strong airlines with similar business models, we are creating a more differentiated and durable airline – one well positioned to deliver lasting value for our customers, team members, and shareholders. I want to recognize Team Allegiant and Team Sun Country, whose dedication and hard work made this day possible.”
Customers can continue to book travel through existing channels, and there are no changes to current reservations, flight schedules, or travel plans. Both airlines will continue to operate as separate carriers in the near term, maintaining their respective brands. Allegiant Allways Rewards and Sun Country Rewards will remain separate in the near term, and members’ points, benefits, and account status will retain their current value. Customers should continue to manage reservations, check in, and access customer service through the airline with which they booked travel. Over time, Allegiant expects to introduce additional benefits that make it easier for customers to access the combined network.
The combined company is committed to a thoughtful and disciplined integration process focused on maintaining safe, reliable operations and delivering a consistent customer experience.
There are no immediate changes to frontline roles, and operational employees will continue in their current positions. The company will work closely with labor representatives throughout the integration process, and all existing collective bargaining agreements will remain in place.
At the corporate level, some roles may overlap as functions are integrated. Any potential changes will be evaluated carefully, with a focus on fairness, respect, and clear communication.
Allegiant values Sun Country’s deep roots in Minnesota and expects Minneapolis-St. Paul to remain an important operating center for the combined company. The combined company is committed to maintaining strong relationships with the communities, airports, customers, and partners served by both airlines, while continuing to support the leisure-focused markets that have been central to each company’s success.
Together, Allegiant and Sun Country will serve approximately 22 million annual customers across nearly 175 cities, with more than 650 routes and a combined fleet of 195 aircraft.
The combination brings together complementary strengths, including:
- Expanded access to leisure destinations across the U.S. and select international markets
- A diversified model supported by scheduled service, charter, and cargo operations
- Increased scale to support long-term growth and operational resilience
Financially, the combination of Allegiant and Sun Country brings together two profitable airlines with complementary networks, diversified revenue streams and strong balance sheets, creating a platform with meaningful long-term value creation potential. Allegiant expects to realize approximately $140 million in annual synergies within three years following closing and integration, driven by expanded customer choice across the combined network, scale efficiencies, fleet optimization, and procurement benefits. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share in the first full year post-closing, while maintaining balance sheet flexibility.
Sun Country’s cargo operations for Amazon Prime Air and charter contracts with casinos, Major League Soccer, collegiate sports teams, and the Department of Defense, complement Allegiant’s existing charter business and further diversify the combined company’s revenue base. With 195 aircraft at closing, 30 aircraft on order and an additional 80 options, the combined company will have greater flexibility to optimize aircraft deployment, improve utilization, and support long-term growth through economic cycles.
Greg Anderson will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, and Robert Neal will serve as President and Chief Financial Officer. Jude Bricker, Jennifer Vogel and Thomas C. Kennedy were appointed as members of Allegiant’s Board of Directors.
In connection with the closing, Sun Country common stock has ceased trading on the NASDAQ, and Allegiant Travel Company will continue to trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “ALGT.”
Allegiant – Together We FlyTM
Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places, and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant’s fleet serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 