Sun Country Airlines launched the company’s first scheduled, inaugural nonstop flight out of the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) as the facility’s newest commercial airline service.
Sun Country and Indianapolis Airport Authority officials, along with local community leaders, joined in a celebratory sendoff of the inaugural flight, leaving out of Indianapolis for Minneapolis’ Twin Cities region. Sun Country will fly out twice per week to Minneapolis on Mondays and Fridays.
In September, Sun Country will launch a nonstop flight from Indy to Orlando as well.
“This is certainly a day to celebrate – the first scheduled Sun Country nonstop flight out of Indy as a commercial airline service is a reality that has been years in the making,” said IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said after years of working to expand Sun Country air service from charter to commercial, the deal finally moved forward last February after a conversation at the Routes Americas conference held in Indianapolis.
Since the start of 2021, the Indianapolis airport has announced 15 new nonstop flights and, with the addition of Sun Country, launched a new airline. Six of those nonstops launched this week, kicking of a flurry of flight opportunities as the summer travel season begins.
“Last year’s Routes Americas conference in Indy is already paying dividends and we’re thrilled to see this partnership between IND and Sun Country take off,” said Leonard Hoops, president and chief executive officer of Visit Indy. “In addition to getting our own residents out to Sun Country’s strong network of vacation destinations, this also provides an affordable option for visitors to experience why Indy has been named a 2021 best place to travel by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.”
Sun Country currently operates ultra-low-cost flights on 93 routes to more than 65 popular destinations between the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The Minnesota-based airline focuses on connecting leisure travelers with friends, family and fun filled destinations.
“We know that so many people are excited to start traveling again, and we’re happy to be able to offer direct service between the Twin Cities and Indianapolis,” said Sun Country Airlines Chief Revenue Officer Grant Whitney. “We’re confident IND passengers will appreciate our brand of convenient, affordable travel and enjoy onboard amenities such as free streaming in-flight entertainment, complimentary refreshments and reclining seats.”
State-Of-The-Art Circulation Systems
In addition to requiring a pre-travel health screening and face coverings to be worn while boarding and inflight, Sun Country has equipped its aircraft with state-of-the-art circulation systems that use a high-efficiency filter to circulate the air and remove more than 99% of airborne particles. Sun Country also follows the CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces on their aircraft using disinfectant specifically designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria (including coronavirus).
To learn more about Sun Country’s health and safety information and book a trip, click here.
Indy Airport’s Earns Health Accreditation
The Indianapolis International Airport is also working diligently to ensure a safe and healthy travel experience for Hoosiers. Late last year the Indy airport was recognized with the Airports Council International’s Global Airport Health Accreditation for its efforts during the pandemic.
Since March 2020, the Indianapolis Airport Authority has implemented an abundance of measures throughout the terminal and airport campus to help protect the traveling public and airport employees, including increased cleanliness measures, social distancing signage and touchless transactions whenever possible. In addition, face masks must be worn at the Indy airport, in accordance with the federal Department of Homeland Security requirement. To learn more about the Indy airport’s response to ensure traveler safety, and for more airport travel tips for the current environment, visit IND.com/COVID19.
