LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Allegiant could seal the deal on the acquisition of a separate low-cost airline in less than a month.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation gave the greenlight for Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines to continue operating as separate carriers while working toward a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
That was the last remaining regulatory approval needed ahead of the closing of the proposed transaction.
Beyond customary closing conditions, all that’s needed now is approval of the shareholders from each airline.
Allegiant and Sun Country have scheduled special meetings of their shareholders for May 8. If all goes according to plan, the closing could occur as early as May 13, Allegiant said.
Allegiant, based in Las Vegas, has the largest presence at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE); the two celebrated their 20-year partnership last year.
Allegiant operates out of over 100 airports across the United States but does not currently offer international destinations. But that will change if the merger with Sun Country Airlines goes through.
According to a January news release, which came out when the deal was first announced, the combined airline will offer more than 650 routes: 551 from Allegiant and 105 from Sun Country. Allegiant customers will have access to expanded service from the carrier’s small and mid-sized cities to 18 international destinations, the release said.
Founded in 1982, Sun Country Airlines is based in Minneapolis, Minn. The low-cost carrier offers nonstop destinations across the U.S., as well as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Sun Country also has a cargo business, with customers that include Amazon Prime Air.
Once the two airlines are granted a single operating certificate, Allegiant will continue to be the publicly held parent company, and the combined company will continue under the Allegiant name.
