TOUCH DOWN

Sun Country Airlines starts new non-stop service to MSP

States and to destinations in Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean. It also provides crew, maintenance, and insurance service to Amazon.

Sun Country has been in business for 40 years, offering low fares and safe, reliable nonstop flights while being serviced by a team that is dedicated to getting you there safely, on-time and happy.

on overall fares because of their aircraft capacity. The Boeing 737-800 high-density version that Sun Country flies has 186 seats on board.

Community partnerships are key when working on air service development. As we developed the Sun Country relationship, Traverse City Tourism’s very own Trevor Tkach was a brilliant partner.

service change at smaller airports from nonstop to the hub.

Smaller, 50-seat jets are being retired at an accelerated pace due to the economics that prohibit their success. At one time, the 50-seat jet was a solution for small communities to have access to the air transportation system ... but that was at a time when fuel and labor costs were low.

Today, the 50-seat jet cannot support its own cost. Airlines that offer services on larger regional jets are being fought after by many communities, large and small.

Sun Country Airlines has landed at TVC. Sun Country is a hybrid low-cost air carrier, whose mission is to connect guests to their favorite people and places. The company deploys shared aircraft resources across a scheduled service, charter, and cargo business model.

Based in Minnesota, Sun Country’s focus is on passengers and charter customers with flights throughout the United

Sun Country will serve TVC from Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP) seasonally from June 16 - Sept. 6 on Mondays and Fridays and from Sept. 7 - Oct. 15 on Thursdays and Sundays.

The goal is to strengthen the MSP-TVC route and compete to improve overall air service in our local and regional market. Its arrival has already generated competition at TVC and has had an impact

When an airline brings new service in a market like Traverse City, it’s definitely a reason to celebrate.

Why is this so special? Pilot shortages and increased fuel prices have endangered airline travel. Seventy-four American communities have lost some part or all of their air service, including several in Michigan. In northern Michigan, we have watched

Seasonal demand is very important to the success of our market. Nearly 50% of our annual traffic uses TVC in the summer period. Our peak season is lengthening and our population is growing. That is why airlines like Sun Country are bringing new opportunities to northern Michigan.

How can you help keep these new opportunities coming? Fly local! Be mindful of chasing fares at other airports. You directly impact the opportunity to grow what you really want at TVC.

Kevin Klein, A.A.E, is the CEO of TVC.