This article is based on an official press release from Sun Country Airlines.

Sun Country Airlines to Establish New Pilot Base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Sun Country Airlines (NASDAQ: SNCY) has officially announced plans to open a new pilot base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Scheduled to launch on January 31, 2026, this development represents a significant strategic expansion for the Minneapolis-based carrier. According to the airline’s official announcement, this will be the first pilot base established outside of its primary hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

The decision to establish a base in Northern Kentucky is driven primarily by Sun Country’s growing cargo partnership with Amazon. CVG serves as the home for Amazon Air’s primary U.S. hub, making it a critical logistical center for the e-commerce giant. By stationing pilots directly at this cargo nexus, Sun Country aims to improve operational reliability and efficiency for its cargo segment while laying the groundwork for potential future passenger service expansion.

In a statement regarding the expansion, Sun Country leadership emphasized that the move aligns with their unique “hybrid” business model, which balances scheduled passenger service, charter flights, and dedicated cargo operations to mitigate seasonal volatility.

Operational Details and Job Creation

The new base is set to become operational in early 2026. According to the press release, Sun Country plans to staff the facility initially with approximately 30 pilots, constituting 15 two-person crews. The airline has outlined a growth trajectory for the base, targeting an expansion to approximately 90 pilots (45 crews) over time.

Recruitment efforts are reportedly already underway. The airline is actively hiring captains and first officers, as well as base support staff such as coordinators. Rather than constructing new standalone infrastructure immediately, Sun Country indicated it will utilize shared facilities at CVG, a move that industry observers note keeps initial capital expenditures low.

Strategic Rationale: The Amazon Connection

The choice of Cincinnati is inextricably linked to Sun Country’s cargo contract with Amazon. The airline currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 freighters exclusively for Amazon. With CVG serving as a global super-hub for logistics, hosting both Amazon Air and DHL, establishing a crew base there reduces commuting costs and scheduling complexities for pilots operating these freighter routes.

“Amazon and our cargo operation is a critical segment of our differentiated business model and enables our scheduled service seasonal flexibility and growth.”

, Jude Bricker, CEO of Sun Country Airlines

Advertisement

Market Context and Future Outlook

While the immediate focus of the new base is to support cargo operations, the infrastructure provides Sun Country with the flexibility to expand its consumer-facing services. CVG has experienced robust passenger demand recently. According to airport data cited in industry reports, passenger traffic at CVG grew by 5.4% in 2024, reaching 9.2 million passengers.

Currently, the market at CVG is led by Delta Air Lines, followed by low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, both of which maintain crew bases at the airport. While Sun Country has not announced specific new passenger routes in conjunction with the base opening, the presence of locally based crews would make it significantly easier to add scheduled leisure flights to “sun” destinations like Florida or Phoenix in the future.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this expansion as a calculated, low-risk maneuver that highlights the strength of Sun Country’s diversified business model. Unlike traditional low-cost carriers that rely entirely on passenger ticket revenue, Sun Country can subsidize the costs of a new base through its guaranteed cargo revenue streams from Amazon.

By anchoring the base in cargo operations, the airline avoids the “cash burn” typically associated with establishing a new foothold in a competitive passenger market. If the airline chooses to expand into passenger service at CVG later, it will do so with the operational infrastructure already paid for by its logistics contracts. This “cargo-led” expansion strategy is rare in the U.S. airline industry and offers a hedge against the volatility of consumer travel demand.

Financial Health and Industry Standing

Sun Country’s expansion comes amidst a period of financial stability for the carrier. Industry analysis suggests that the airline’s hybrid model has allowed it to remain profitable even as some ultra-low-cost competitors struggle with fluctuating fares and high operating costs. Analysts have pointed to the airline’s strong financial metrics, including a high Piotroski F-Score, as indicators of its operational health.

The establishment of the CVG base is also a retention play for flight deck crew. By offering a domicile outside of Minneapolis, Sun Country can attract pilots who prefer living in the Midwest or Upper South, thereby widening its recruitment pool in a tight labor market.

Sources

Sources: Sun Country Airlines Investor Relations, CVG Airport Official Statistics, Cincinnati Business Courier