The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Aviation Section announced Friday it would release a new program to drive tourism to the state’s airports.
The program, Fly Louisiana, is designed to encourage pilots and aviation enthusiasts to visit airports throughout the state through a passport program.
“Other state DOTs across the country have similar programs and have seen much success over the years,” said Renee Lapeyrolerie, DOTD Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce. “Everyone can participate in this program, not just pilots. It is our hope to encourage aviation throughout the state and even open the door for others to learn about this exciting industry.”
Fly Louisiana would support general aviation, local businesses, and tourism throughout the state by promoting safety and education, the department said. The program encourages recreational flights to all participating public use airports in the state. Participants who sign up for the app, and complete certain incentives, will have the opportunity to win prizes like aviation patches, flight bags, shirts, and even a flight jacket.
Licensed pilots from any state, their passengers, and aviation enthusiasts can register for the program. Participants can create an account by downloading the AOPA app and selecting the Fly Louisiana program. Those participating will get credit by checking in to any of the participating Louisiana airports, visiting aviation attractions, or attending safety seminars and bonus activities, like flying to seaplane bases or visiting out-of-state airports.
“This is an exciting opportunity to connect with pilots and passengers of Louisiana and surrounding states,” said DOTD Assistant Aviation Director Josh Duplantis. “At DOTD Aviation, our focus is on airport infrastructure, and rightly so, but Fly Louisiana offers anyone and everyone the opportunity to engage with Louisiana’s airports and other aviation attractions and collect some pretty sweet rewards while doing it. I encourage everyone to participate; you never know what you might find or learn out there!”
The Fly Louisiana app will be available on Sept. 2, 2022, the department said.