Sun Country Airlines is changing hands, if federal regulators sign off on a deal that would move ownership of the Minnesota-based carrier to a New York investment group.The proposed deal between current owners Marty and Mitch Davis and Apollo Global Management was announced Thursday morning. It is scheduled to close the first quarter of 2018, but is subject to regulatory approval.

"We are tremendously excited about the acquisition of Sun Country,” said Antoine Munfakh, Partner at Apollo in a written release. “Sun Country presents compelling opportunities for innovation, efficiency and growth. Underpinned by a solid foundation of assets and people, including an outstanding team of executives and talented flight crews, we believe Sun Country has a very bright future.”

Sun Country is considered the largest privately-held independent airline in the U.S. The carrier flies 2.5 million passengers to leisure and business destinations around America and the world each year.

Apollo Global Management says Sun Country headquarters are expected to remain in Minnesota, and current CEO Jude Bricker will stay on to run the airline. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.