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Sun Country Launches New Branson Service with $69 One Way Inaugural Fare

Dépèche transmise le 16 avril 2009 par Business Wire

Sun Country Launches New Branson Service with $69 One Way Inaugural Fare

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sun Country Airlines announces new non-stop service between Branson, MO and Dallas/Ft Worth commencing May 11 with an introductory fare of $69 OW*. Scheduled flights leave Dallas/Ft Worth Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sun Country is also adding service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Branson.

“We are pleased with the expansion of Sun Country in the Dallas/Ft Worth market,” said Stan Gadek, CEO and Chairman of Sun Country Airlines. “Branson is a popular destination for Dallas travelers and a great option for people still wanting to travel this summer but looking for a great value. Sun Country and the Branson area provide that value.”

“We are excited to have Sun Country Airlines flying non-stop from Dallas to the new Branson Airport", said Jeff Bourk, Branson Airport Executive Director. "Dallas is Branson's number one visitation market, and Sun Country's exceptional service and low fares fit perfectly with Branson's unparalleled hospitality, family friendly attractions and affordability."

Sun Country’s $69 OW* fare is available until April 25 and good for travel between May 11 and June 17, 2009.

“We welcome all the folks from Dallas/Fort Worth that will be flying non-stop on Sun Country to the new Branson Airport. We look forward to many more visitors coming from the D/FW metroplex with Sun Country’s low airfares,” said Ross Summers, President/CEO, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sun Country First Quarter Profit:

MN Airlines, LLC d/b/a Sun Country Airlines today announced record first quarter net income of $8.1MM. This compares to a net loss of $8.3MM in the first quarter of 2008.

“We are pleased with the record financial performance and the success of our turnaround to date,” said Stan Gadek, chairman and CEO. “I am very proud of the hard work and determination of every person on the Sun Country team. They deserve full credit for these outstanding results and having overcome significant challenges during the past year.”

First quarter operating income was $9.8MM and operating margin was 15.3%, both representing all-time records for the airline. Contributing to the operating income were significant year-over-year gains in charter and ancillary revenue as well as an 8.3% increase in passenger unit revenue to 8.31 cents per available seat mile.

During the first quarter, Sun Country’s operating unit costs declined 5.9% to 8.06 cents per available seat mile as a result of lower fuel costs and improved cost controls and efficiencies. Load factor or the percentage of filled seats increased 8.3 points from 71.5% in the first quarter 2008 to 79.8% in the first quarter 2009.

Sun Country Repayment of Deferred Wages

The company also announced that it will complete the repayment of employee deferred wages from December 2008 pay period on April 22. This will represent the fifth and final payment and will include 3% interest on the amount of deferred wages. Sun Country employees were asked to defer 50% of wages through 5 pay periods this fall due to unexpected parent company challenges and subsequent liquidity issues.

*Stated fare is for base ticket price only. Taxes and fees are not included.

About Sun Country Airlines
MN Airlines, LLC, d.b.a. Sun Country Airlines is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sun Country, which has earned a reputation for offering world class service at an affordable price, was recently named in the “Top Ten Domestic Airlines” by Travel+Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler for the third year in a row. The airline flies to popular destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. For a complete list of destinations and more information, please visit www.suncountry.com.

About Branson Airport
Branson Airport, opening May 11, 2009, is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States and is located in Branson, Missouri. The $155 million project introduces an innovative business model that has the potential to redefine air travel in the United States by focusing on creating a more pleasant travel experience for customers. The Branson Airport is expected to significantly increase the number of new visitors from around the U.S. who will be able to enjoy the wonderful Branson experience. For more information on Branson Airport LLC, go to www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson
Branson is best known for live entertainment, family attractions, award-winning theme parks, outdoor recreation and its warm Ozark Mountain hospitality. There are more theater seats than on Broadway and more live performances each week than Las Vegas. With museums, championship golf, wineries, the historic downtown district, the Branson Scenic Railway and Silver Dollar City theme park there is something for everyone. The Branson Landing, adjacent to the Branson Convention Center, features Bass Pro Shops, boutiques, galleries, dining and night life along Lake Taneycomo, one of three pristine lakes. For more information on Branson, go to www.ExploreBranson.com.