{"id":"f-445134d771-dd95366a-77c7-5a1e-9754-89dabf8980fa","title":"Sun Country-Allegiant Merger: What $1.5 Billion Airline Deal Means For Travelers","description":"Allegiant announced it will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a $1.5 billion deal, combining two major low-cost carriers. The merger will expand routes, grow the fleet to nearly 200 aircraft, and create long-term cost savings.","timestamp":1768202456,"category":"business","headline":"Sun Country-Allegiant Merger: What $1.5 Billion Airline Deal Means For Travelers","modifiedHeadline":"Sun Country, Allegiant Merge For $1.5 Billion","subCategories":["scid_4d81caea"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"c80449a0-0ad6-472b-8d17-5747dd8f5c83","bundleTitle":"Around the globe","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"73","fcSummary":"Allegiant Travel Company will acquire Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 billion, including debt. The merger aims to create a larger low-cost flight network, offering passengers more travel options. Allegiant's CEO will lead the combined company, expecting $140 million in savings.","summary":"Prepare for travel upheaval! Allegiant's $1.5B Sun Country purchase merges low-cost giants, promising expanded routes and fleet growth.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/news/IN/en/timesnow/f-445134d771-dd95366a-77c7-5a1e-9754-89dabf8980fa","sourceUrl":"https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/allegiant-sun-country-airlines-merger-1-5-billion-deal-2026-article-153432578","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/vuv9MnpzdEm0.webp","content":"

Low-cost airline Allegiant Travel Company announced on Sunday that it will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a deal valued at about $1.5 billion, including

\n\n

debt. The agreement will bring together two well-known budget carriers and significantly expand their combined flight network. Under the deal, Sun Country shareholders will receive 0.1557 shares of Allegiant stock plus $4.10 in cash for each Sun Country share they own. This values Sun Country shares at $18.89 each, which is about a 19.8% premium compared to the airline’s closing stock price of $15.77 on Friday.

\n\n\n

\n
\n
\nThe companies said the acquisition is designed to strengthen their position in the low-cost airline market and create a larger network serving more travelers across the United States and beyond.\n
\n
\n

What It Means For Passengers?

\n
\nThe merger will greatly grow the airlines’ network. After joining, Allegiant and Sun Country will fly to many more cities across the United States and some international locations, giving travelers more choices at low prices.\n
\n
\nThe combined airline will have around 195 planes. It will also receive more planes that are already on order and may buy additional aircraft in the future. With a bigger fleet, the airline expects to run flights more efficiently and slowly add new routes over time.\n
\n
READ ALSO | Tony Romo Faces Backlash Over ‘Weird Noises’: What Went Wrong During Bills vs Jaguars Broadcast?\n
\n
\nThe new company will be headquartered in Las Vegas, Allegiant’s current home base. Both airlines said the combination will help them better compete in the crowded airline industry while keeping costs low.\n
\n
\nOnce the deal closes, Allegiant shareholders will own about 67% of the combined company, while Sun Country shareholders will own about 33%.\n
\n
\nAllegiant’s current CEO, Gregory Anderson, will lead the merged airline as chief executive officer. Robert Neal will serve as president and chief financial officer. Sun Country’s CEO, Jude Bricker, will join the company’s board of directors, ensuring continued representation from Sun Country’s leadership.\n
\n
\nThe companies expect the merger to generate about $140 million in annual cost savings and efficiencies by the third year after the deal closes. They also said the transaction is expected to boost earnings per share in the first year after completion.\n
\n
\nThe deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.\n
\n
(With inputs from Reuters)\n

","readDurationInMinutes":"4","author":{"name":"Timesnow","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/png/aa2bd83c-7ade-426a-b117-9b2ede01f8a2.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[{"measurementId":"G-77TJDBEN7S","type":"GA"},{"measurementId":"26200502","type":"COMSCORE","partnerName":"glance"}],"pointerSummary":["Allegiant acquires Sun Country for $1.5B, expanding budget flight networks significantly.","Sun Country shareholders get stock/cash, valuing shares at $18.89, a 19.8% premium.","Anderson(CEO), Bricker (Board); merger aims for $140M savings; closing in 2H 2026."],"tags":["SunCountryAirlines","Allegiant","AirlineMerger","LowCostCarriers","AviationIndustry","TravelDeals","FlightNetwork","GregoryAnderson","JudeBricker","LasVegas","CostSavings","AirlineAcquisition","Reuters"],"consent":true,"redirectionEnabled":false}

Sun Country-Allegiant Merger: What $1.5 Billion Airline Deal Means For Travelers

SUMMARY