Sun Country seeks financial help from state, MAC
Struggling Mendota Heights-based Sun Country Airlines is seeking government financial help, as the airline tries to cope with high fuel prices.
The airline goes before the Metropolitan Airports Commission Wednesday to make its case for financial aid. Commission spokesman Patrick Hogan says the MAC wants to know more about what kind of help the airline wants.
"We have provided assistance to Sun Country in the past. It is unclear at this point exactly what they have in mind for the MAC or state of Minnesota in the future," Hogan said. "We will listen and see what they have to say and take it from there."
The airline has indicated it hopes to get up to $50 million in loans or other financial help from the state of Minnesota and the airports commission.
Sun Country contends it would make sense for the state to help the airline, given the economic kick the airline provides to the local economy and how the airline has historically helped lower airfares out of the Twin Cities.
Over the years, Eagan-based Northwest Airlines has received hundreds of millions of dollars in loans and other financial breaks from the state and airports commission.
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