From the Ashes of Braniff to the Hometown Airlines
Eden Prairie, MN – On Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 6:30PM, authors of the new book Minnesota’s Phoenix will speak about their new book detailing the birth of the airline from the ashes of the Braniff Airlines bankruptcy in 1982 to becoming “Minnesota’s Hometown Airlines”. This event is part of the Wings of the North Air Museum’s Speaker Series that offers a free presentation on the first Thursday of each month.
Background: Sun Country Airlines operated its first flight on January 20, 1983, flying a leased Boeing 727 on a charter trip from Sioux Falls, SD, to Las Vegas. The new airline had eleven pilots and sixteen flight attendants and was led by Captain Jim Olsen who served as founder, president, and chief executive officer. The pilots and two of the flight attendants, Joan Smith and Judy Peterson, were investors in the new company. Joan Smith served as director of inflight operations and later married Jim Olsen. Like many airlines, Sun Country went through a series of growing pains over the years and currently is being acquired by Allegiant Airline.
Three present and former Sun Country employees, flight attendants Jennifer Gasperini and Maggie Hill and corporate office staff member Karyn Fernandes, have combined their efforts to write a behind-the-scenes history of the airline. They consider their book a gift to everyone who ever worked for Sun Country Airlines or flew with them. Books will be available for sale.
The Wings of the North Air Museum is located at 14893 Sierra Lane on Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie. Access to Flying Cloud Airport is through Gate H, one mile west of Flying Cloud Drive just south of Pioneer Trail. Museum volunteers will assist with directions to parking. The presentation will start at 6:30PM; doors will open at 6:00PM. The event is free but donations are appreciated. Reservations are not required.
More information: www.wotn.org/museum/
Wings of the North is an IRS 501c3 nonprofit organization.