Sun Country Airlines’ pilots are preparing for pivotal contract negotiations in 2025, setting the stage for what could become a defining moment for the Minnesota-based ultra-low-cost carrier. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the group filed a notice on August 29, 2025, to begin talks ahead of the current agreement’s amendable date in December. The existing contract was ratified in 2021, before the company’s rapid evolution into a hybrid passenger-and-cargo carrier.
A Growing Airline with a Shifting Model
Since the last contract was signed, Sun Country has dramatically altered its business model. The airline now operates 45 passenger aircraft alongside 20 freighters, largely through a partnership with Amazon Air. That fleet is expected to expand further, with eight more freighters scheduled to join operations by the third quarter of 2025.
This growth has positioned Sun Country as a more complex operation than a traditional low-cost passenger airline. In addition to scheduled flights, the carrier runs extensive charter services and has leaned heavily into cargo operations. For pilots, the changes mean work conditions and responsibilities that differ significantly from what their 2021 agreement anticipated.
“The current contract, designed before this growth, no longer reflects the pilots’ working conditions or the airline’s hybrid model,” ALPA said in a statement. Captain Sam Larson, chair of the Sun Country Master Executive Council, underscored that point, noting, “The need for a new agreement that aligns with the airline’s unique structure and matches industry-standard contracts secured by other pilot groups.”
Stakes at the Bargaining Table
The negotiations arrive at a crucial juncture for Sun Country. Its cargo arm, underpinned by the Amazon Air deal now extended through 2030, adds to the airline’s operational complexity. Pilots want terms that reflect these changes, though specific demands—such as compensation increases or revised scheduling rules—have not yet been disclosed.
Industry analysts say the talks could influence both morale and operational reliability as the airline continues to grow. A fair and timely agreement could ensure stability, but protracted negotiations might weigh on labor relations. Sun Country’s own history illustrates the risks: its 2015 pilot contract took five years to finalize.
Lessons from Flight Attendants’ Breakthrough
Pilots may draw inspiration from the carrier’s flight attendants, who earlier this year concluded a difficult five-year bargaining effort. In March 2025, more than 750 flight attendants represented by the Teamsters Local 120 ratified a new contract that delivered a 21% immediate pay raise, with wage gains rising up to 58% over the life of the agreement. The deal also improved retirement benefits.
Their path to resolution was anything but smooth. A tentative agreement reached in 2023 was rejected, followed by federal mediation and, in 2024, a near-unanimous 99% strike authorization vote. Still, the union and airline ultimately avoided a walkout, reaching a settlement that both sides deemed significant.
For pilots now entering their own round of talks, the flight attendants’ outcome shows that persistence can yield major gains—even when negotiations stretch over several years.
Looking Forward
The outcome of the upcoming pilot contract talks will have wide-ranging implications. As Sun Country grows, with its cargo operations complementing a robust schedule of passenger and charter services, labor stability will be critical. Observers say the company’s ability to maintain a motivated workforce could determine how successfully it balances its hybrid model.
While the bargaining process is still at an early stage, history suggests negotiations may not be quick. Still, a balanced deal could reinforce Sun Country’s foundation and support continued growth in both passenger and cargo markets.
On Wall Street, investors remain cautiously optimistic. Comerica Bank and BNP Paribas have maintained a “Hold” rating on Sun Country stock, with a price target of $13, signaling confidence in the airline’s prospects despite looming labor challenges.
For now, the industry’s attention turns to the bargaining table, where Sun Country’s pilots aim to secure a contract that reflects the new realities of their airline and sets the course for its next phase of growth.
