Sun country airlines were founded in 1982. It was started by group of flight attendants and pilots from Braniff International. They got together and launched their own airline with the financial help from businessmen of twin cities of St.Paul, MN/Minneapolis. In the beginning they started flights from Sioux Falls to Las Vegas by doing partnership with local MLT vacations and special operated charter flights. In the beginning sun country airlines had 33 employees only, who managed all the work of airline. These people worked together for the larger benefit of company and shared each others duties; as result of their sheer work they started generating profit in the first 6 weeks and gain on-time performance of 98%.
In the next few years company grew even stronger and took their residence in hanger and covered destinations like Norway, Oslo and got the membership of Civil Reserve Air Fleet. Sun country airlines also flew some flights to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In 1991 they earned record profit of $9.7 million and airline increased their fleet and employees.
In 1999, sun country airlines became scheduled carrier, but the expenses became so high hat they were difficult to cover up, although passenger load was still good, but it could not match the expenses. In 2000 company lost $62 million and was blown away by the circumstances of 9/11 attacks. In 2001, company announced to cease all operations and few days later they shut down completely.
In 2002 sun country airlines were purchased by some investors who resumed their services again. They cater to the destinations of Los Angeles, Denver, Orlando and also to the warm destinations of previous schedule. They added more routes in their schedule which included Washington D.C, New York. Sun country airlines have been in the top ten list of domestic airlines since 3 years listed by both Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure.
Sun country airlines boast to provide healthy green environment and so their fleet comprises of current generation air crafts which results in decreased noise, maximum fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. 737 have lowest carbon emissions per seat and is most environment friendly of its class. Sun country airlines offer great deal of entertainment and comfort within the flight as well.
The company filed for bankruptcy in October, 2008. Although airline has maintained their normal operations but the stock ownership of the company has been transferred to the person appointed by court. The airline continues to provide quality services to its customers.
