Allegiant Air buys Sun Country in a $1.5 billion deal, creating a larger budget airline to fill the space Spirit left behind

The combined carrier will operate 195 aircraft across almost 175 cities, with both brands continuing to run separately in the near term

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Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines on Wednesday, closing a $1.5 billion cash-and-stock deal that brings together two low-cost carriers focused on leisure travel.

The transaction received required regulatory approvals and shareholder sign-off from both companies, Allegiant said. Across the merged network, roughly 175 cities and more than 650 routes will be covered by a fleet of 195 aircraft, serving an estimated 22 million passengers a year.

"Today marks a defining moment in Allegiant's history as we officially join forces with Sun Country to create the leading leisure-focused airline in the United........

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