Sun Country Pilots Emphasize Importance of Crew Commitments as Airline Completes Financial Close with Allegiant Travel Company

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.— Capt. Sam Larson, chair of the Sun Country Master Executive Council (MEC) issued the following statement today following the financial close of the merger between Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. and Allegiant Travel Company. The 670 Sun Country pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA).

“The operational strength that made both Sun Country and Allegiant viable, growing carriers was built by the front-line employees who show up every day to run these airlines safely and reliably. As this new chapter begins, that contribution deserves to be recognized.

"Regardless of how this merger unfolds, our pilots will remain focused on what they have always done: providing safe, dependable service for every passenger on every flight. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Teamster pilots at Allegiant and Allegiant management to ensure this merger is a success for everyone involved.

“Once the merger is completed, Sun Country pilots expect their contributions, and those of their Allegiant counterparts, to be recognized through a joint collective bargaining agreement that delivers substantive improvements for both groups. Sun Country pilots are firm in their expectation that any economic gains realized by this merger must be shared with the combined pilot group in addition to the other hardworking employees.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots. Contact: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org.