Junior Wings of Sun Country Airlines

By Lane Kranz

Sun Country began operations in January 1983 as a charter airline with a single 727-200. Its inaugral flight was Sioux Falls, SD to Las Vegas, NV. Many of the employees were former Braniff employees which shutdown in 1982. Sun Country expanded its charter business with additional 727s and added DC-10s in the late 1980s. In the 1990s, Sun Country was the third-largest charter airline in the US.

Following the 9/11 attacks, Sun Country shut down and filed for bankruptcy in December 2001. The airline re-emerged and began scheduled operations. Ownership would change hands numerous times and included an FBI investigation for financial fraud. Their business model evolved into a ULCC model and remains heavily leisure-focused. In 2020, the airline operated its first all-cargo flight for Amazon under the Prime Air banner. Today, the airline operates scheduled, charter, and cargo services. According to the airline’s website, they operate only 737 jets:  34 passenger aircraft and 12 freighters.

Sun Country Airlines B727-227, N275AF
Seen at LAX International Airport on 10 Dec 1985
Wearing the original Sun Country colors and logo.
Photo Courtesy of Derek Heley
Sun Country Airlines B727-227, N275AF
LAX International Airport, December 10, 1985, wearing the original Sun Country colors and logo.
Photo Courtesy of Derek Heley
Sun Country Airlines DC10-40, N144JC
Seen at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
October 1988
Photo Courtesy of  Richard Vandervord
Sun Country Airlines DC10-40, N144JC
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, October 1988
Photo Courtesy of Richard Vandervord
Sun Country Boeing 727-259, N289SC
Seen landing at Las Vegas, MCarren International Airport
October 2001
Gary C. Orlando Photo
Sun Country Boeing 727-259, N289SC
Landing at Las Vegas, MCarren International Airport
October 2001
Gary C. Orlando Photo

Photos: Sun Country Airlines


Sun Country has issued 5 different junior wings:

The original 1983 junior wing
The original 1983 junior wing.
The stylized logo early 1990s
The stylized logo early 1990s.
Name banner added, late 1990s
Name banner added, late 1990s.
Medium blue and all-caps late 2000s
Medium blue and all-caps late 2000s.
Dark blue and all-lower case 2010s reflects new/current livery
Dark blue and all-lower case 2010s reflects new/current livery.

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