More than a year after its launch, the Regional Air Access Program (RAAP) has failed to meet its objectives. Just under 45,000 return tickets were sold in twelve months, but the North Shore was one of the most popular destinations.
The 98,000 tickets available in the first year of the $500 ticket program are far from having found takers. According to a report from the Ministry of Transport obtained by Macotenord.com, 44,300 tickets were sold between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023, or 45% of what was offered.
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are the program’s most popular destination with more than 11,000 discounted tickets. This destination alone accounts for more than 30% of tickets sold under the program.
The Côte-Nord comes in second place with the airport of Sept-Îles and its 6,809 return tickets at 500 dollars. The other airports in the region were also requested while the Fermontois were followers of the program since the Wabush airport welcomed no less than 6,445 passengers. The Baie-Comeau and Basse-Côte-Nord airports also participated in the program.
In other regions, the program was less popular. 3,076 $500 tickets were sold for Michel-Pouliot Airport in Gaspé and 882 for Bonaventure.
As for Mont-Joli airport, it welcomed some 454 passengers with $500 tickets.
Map of regional airports eligible for the program
Note that this program is still in effect and that it is possible for passengers to purchase tickets for $500, for a maximum of three round trips per year.
