IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a dramatic decline in passenger demand across the U.S. airline industry. Sun Country experienced a significant decline in demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a material decline in first quarter 2021 revenues as compared to pre-pandemic levels, and negatively impacted the Company’s financial condition and operating results.

During the first quarter of 2022, Sun Country continued to see recovery in demand from the COVID-19 pandemic relative to demand in 2021, which may impact the comparability of results to prior periods. However, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall demand for air travel remains uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”)

During 2021 and 2020, the Company received certain funds from the CARES Act. The cash awarded to the Company through the CARES Act was accounted for as grants, debt, and tax credits based on the terms and nature of the funds awarded.

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company received and recognized as income within Special Items, net $32,208 from the Treasury under the Payroll Support Program Extension (“PSP2”). The CARES Act provides an employee retention credit (“CARES Employee Retention Credit”) which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes. During March 31, 2021, the Company recorded $334 related to the CARES Employee Retention Credit within Special Items, net. Under the CARES Act Loan Program, the Company received a $45,000 loan (the “CARES Act Loan”) from the Treasury, which was repaid in full on March 24, 2021 using proceeds from the IPO. For more information on funds awarded through the CARES act, see Note 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements” in the 2021 10-K.

In accordance with any grants and/or loans received under the CARES Act, the Company is required to comply with the relevant provisions of the CARES Act and the related implementing agreements which, among other things, include the following: the requirement to use the Payroll Support Payments exclusively for the continuation of payment of crewmember and employee wages, salaries and benefits; the requirement that certain levels of commercial air service be maintained until March 1, 2022, if ordered by the Department of Transportation ("DOT"); the prohibitions on share repurchases of listed securities and the payment of common stock (or equivalent) dividends until September 30, 2022; and restrictions on the payment of certain executive compensation until April 1, 2023. As of March 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with these provisions.