Sun Country Airlines Pilots File to Negotiate New Contract
Sun Country Airlines’ pilots are gearing up for crucial contract negotiations in 2025, signaling a key moment for the Minnesota-based ultra-low-cost carrier.
Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the pilots filed a notice to open talks on August 29, 2025, as their current agreement, ratified in 2021, becomes amendable in December.
With the airline’s operations evolving significantly, these negotiations aim to address the changing demands of its workforce.
A Changing Landscape for Pilots
Sun Country’s business model has shifted dramatically since the last pilot contract. The airline now operates 45 passenger aircraft and 20 freighters, primarily through its Amazon Air partnership, with eight additional freighters planned by Q3 2025.
This expansion into cargo, alongside scheduled passenger and charter services, has transformed the airline’s operations.
The current contract, designed before this growth, no longer reflects the pilots’ working conditions or the airline’s hybrid model.
Captain Sam Larson, chair of the Sun Country Master Executive Council, emphasized the need for a new agreement that aligns with the airline’s unique structure and matches industry-standard contracts secured by other pilot groups.
The Importance of the Negotiations
The pilots’ push for a new contract comes at a critical time. Sun Country’s growth, bolstered by its Amazon Air deal extended through 2030, has increased operational complexity.
Pilots are seeking terms that address these changes, though specific demands, such as pay raises or updated work rules, remain undisclosed.
The negotiations, still in early stages, could set the tone for labor relations as the airline scales. A fair agreement could boost pilot morale and ensure operational stability, while prolonged talks risk tension, as seen in past negotiations that spanned five years for the 2015 contract.
Learning from Flight Attendants’ Success
Sun Country’s flight attendants provide a hopeful precedent. In March 2025, over 750 flight attendants, represented by the Teamsters Local 120, ratified a new contract after five years of negotiations.
The deal delivered a 21% immediate pay increase, up to 58% over the contract’s duration, and improved retirement benefits.
Despite challenges, including a rejected 2023 agreement, federal mediation, and a 99% strike authorization vote in 2024, the flight attendants avoided a strike and secured significant gains.
This outcome suggests that patience and persistence could lead to a successful pilot agreement.
Looking Ahead
As Sun Country navigates these negotiations, industry watchers look on with interest. The pilots’ contract will shape the airline’s ability to maintain a motivated workforce amid its growing cargo and passenger operations.
While the process may take time, given the complexity of past negotiations, a balanced deal could strengthen Sun Country’s foundation.
Investors, including Comerica Bank and BNP Paribas, remain optimistic about the airline’s prospects, despite a “Hold” rating and a $13 stock price target.
For now, all eyes are on the bargaining table as Sun Country’s pilots chart the course ahead.