Inflated prices at Pascan Aviation?

The mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté, alleges that the air carrier Pascan Aviation increased the prices of its flights just before the announcement of the new version of the regional air access program (PAAR) last December.

This version replaces the famous $500 tickets with a price list with variable price reductions, between 50% and 85% discounts, depending on the destinations.

Daniel Côté believes that the new way of calculating rates within the framework of this PAIR 2.0 is only beneficial with certain airlines.

The last times I checked the prices, PAL and Pascan were still at the same price, but recently, when we took out the calculator with the new prices, we realized that in the regular prices, Pascan was almost twice as expensive as PAL Airlines, hence my accusation of inflating priceshe explains.

The elected official from Gaspé indicates having spoken with the management of the airline. I’m told they haven’t inflated prices recently […] so it’s possible they didn’t inflate prices recently, but maybe last yearadmits Mr. Côté.

For the people, the new program is advantageous with PAL Airlines and disadvantageous with Pascan Aviation because of their [fourchette] price […] from Gaspé.

Daniel Côté hopes that a competitive game will take place with a downward readjustment of prices.

Comparing apples to oranges

The co-owner of Pascan, Yani Gagnon, refutes all allegations of price increases.

Our rates have not been increased during the year 2024 apart from the $5 increase in airport fees when passengers board at the Quebec airport.says Mr. Gagnon.

He adds that the comparison game is an easy avenue and that it comes down to comparing apples to orangesaccording to him.

People [se concentrent] only on the lowest rate that is displayed and we try to make it a general rule even though it is not the same rate management for all carriershe added.

Yani Gagnon thus believes that there is a difference between a comparison of prices and that of the service offering. Does this rate include all fees, taxes and services?he summarizes.

You have to be careful when comparing prices because it can be a very limiting analysis.

As for the service offering, he notably gives as an example the frequency of flights offered by his company. From Gaspé, Pascan is present six days a week throughout the year, which is not necessarily the case for its competitors, notes Mr. Gagnon.

He also confirms having spoken with the mayor of Gaspé this week.

The new measures of PAIR must come into force on February 3.