Allegiant, Sun Country to Merge

Deal values Sun Country at about $1.5 billion as carriers move to combine operations.

Sun Country and Allegiant aircraft
Sun Country and Allegiant aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion, with Sun Country shareholders receiving 0.1557 Allegiant shares and $4.10 cash per share.
  • The combined airline is expected to serve 22 million customers annually across nearly 175 cities with a fleet of 195 aircraft, anticipating $140 million in annual synergies and immediate earnings per share accretion.
  • The unified operation will function under the Allegiant brand, integrate networks and fleets, offer an expanded loyalty program, and maintain a significant operational presence in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
  • The transaction has been board-approved and is projected to close in the second half of 2026, contingent on regulatory and shareholder approvals.
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Allegiant and Sun Country announced a merger agreement on Sunday under which Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash-and-stock transaction. The deal implies a value of $18.89 per Sun Country share.

Under the terms, Sun Country shareholders will receive 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock and $4.10 in cash for each share they hold. Allegiant and Sun Country shareholders are expected to own approximately 67% and 33%, respectively, of the combined company on a fully diluted basis.

The transaction values Sun Country at approximately $1.5 billion, including about $400 million of net debt.

The combined airline will serve approximately 22 million customers annually, operate in nearly 175 cities with more than 650 routes, and have a combined fleet of 195 aircraft, along with additional orders and options.

Allegiant Airbus A320
An Allegiant Airbus A320 (Photo: Shutterstock | Joe A. Kunzler)

According to the companies, the merger is expected to generate approximately $140 million in annual synergies by the third year after closing and be accretive to earnings per share in the first year following the completion of the transaction.

The two airlines said the combined operation will bring together their route networks, fleets, and third-party travel businesses under the Allegiant brand. The companies also plan to offer an expanded loyalty program.

Both carriers said the combined airline will maintain a significant operational presence in Minneapolis–St. Paul.

The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of both Allegiant and Sun Country and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, shareholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions, the carriers said.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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