As the largest privately owned carrier in the United States, Sun Country Airlines is a survivor of corporate mega-mergers, two recessions and as many bankruptcies. Ralph Olson reflects on the fascinating history of ‘Minnesota’s hometown airline’.

Few American carriers have had it easy over the past few decades, but the story of Sun Country Airlines is more turbulent than most. Taking on multiple incarnations over the 36 years since it was originally founded, the company is today in rude health with more than 1,500 employees and 25 aircraft in service, flying to over 40 destinations across the United States and beyond.
Just the Beginning