Sun Country Praises Delta, Thrives Independently
Sun Country Airlines is setting itself apart in an industry marked by fierce competition by openly wishing its biggest rival, Delta Air Lines, well. Speaking at Routes Americas 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas, CEO Jude Bricker highlighted how the carrier’s unique approach not only differentiates it from competitors but also reflects its commitment to the local market.
Based at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)—a key hub for Delta—Sun Country leverages its strategic location to serve a predominantly leisure-focused market. “Delta is a great carrier,” Bricker remarked. “I think they hold us to a higher level… I want Delta to be really successful in Minnesota, full stop. We want to be a hub market. I want Fortune 500 companies to headquarter in my hometown, and I want them to be really successful.” Bricker added that while Delta’s dominance prevents any single carrier from monopolizing Minneapolis, Sun Country’s strategy does not rely on market exclusivity for success.
Sun Country distinguishes itself by focusing on delivering outstanding value for leisure passengers. The carrier operates 38 Boeing 737-800s configured with 186 seats, featuring a premium economy section designed to rival even Delta’s basic economy. With 24 premium economy seats at the front offering a 34-inch pitch, 48 seats in the back with a 29-inch pitch, and the remaining seats at a 30-inch pitch (with exit row seats boasting a generous 39-inch pitch), Sun Country ensures a comfortable cabin experience. Each seat is equipped with personal power sources and Wi-Fi-enabled inflight entertainment, while complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages add to the overall passenger appeal.
“Our premium economy section is meant to be better than Delta’s basic economy,” Bricker explained. “So, the idea is you could go basic economy on Delta or fly Sun Country.” This focus on quality and comfort helps Sun Country capture the leisure market, especially during periods when high demand forces fare prices upward on competitive routes.
In addition to its strong base at MSP, Sun Country effectively manages seasonality by shifting aircraft across the country throughout the year. The carrier’s ability to compete on mainline routes—unlike newer entrants such as Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines, which often focus on niche, non-competitive markets—has allowed it to tap into high-demand periods. “There are moments in the calendar when fares go really high, and we can be in that market for that period of time, offering low fares,” Bricker said. “If you take just the largest 30 markets across the U.S., anywhere that has a leisure component where passengers are priced out, we can be there with some seasonality.”
Sun Country’s operational success is further underscored by its financial performance. The airline celebrated its 10th consecutive quarter of net profitability during the fourth quarter of 2024, generating a record $1.08 billion in full-year revenue. Looking ahead, Bricker envisions the carrier’s cargo business—operating 737-8 freighter flights under contract with Amazon—as the main growth driver in 2025, with scheduled passenger growth following in subsequent years.
When asked about future consolidation in the U.S. market, Bricker offered a clear stance. “We’re a super weird carrier. It’s not the perfect puzzle piece to fit into any other carrier. I think the most likely case is we stay independent,” he said, indicating that while Sun Country is philosophically pro-consolidation, it plans to remain a passive participant.
With a focus on value, strategic seasonal operations, and a strong regional identity, Sun Country Airlines continues to thrive independently while fostering healthy competition in the marketplace.
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