Air Canada, in partnership with the Air Canada Foundation, is celebrating another remarkable year of its innovative Autism Aviation Days program, which has been transforming the flying experience for neurodiverse children and their families from coast to coast.
Making Skies Friendlier for All Travelers
The groundbreaking initiative provides autistic children and their families with a comprehensive, stress-free introduction to air travel. Through carefully structured mock travel experiences, participants get to navigate every step of the journey without ever leaving the ground.
"Our Autism Aviation Days program demonstrates our deep commitment to making air travel accessible and comfortable for everyone," said Valerie Durand, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Sustainability at Air Canada.
What Families Experience During Autism Aviation Days
- Complete check-in process simulation
- Realistic security screening experience
- Boarding gate procedures and aircraft entry
- Time to explore and become familiar with the aircraft cabin
- Meet-and-greet sessions with pilots and cabin crew
- Comprehensive sensory preparation for actual flights
National Reach with Local Impact
This year's program expanded its reach across multiple Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary. Each event was tailored to meet the specific needs of local communities while maintaining the program's core mission of creating inclusive travel experiences.
"The feedback from participating families has been overwhelmingly positive," Durand added. "Parents consistently tell us how these sessions have transformed their children's perception of air travel and given them the confidence to plan real family trips."
Building on a Legacy of Inclusion
The Autism Aviation Days program represents just one facet of Air Canada's broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Through the Air Canada Foundation, the airline continues to develop programs that remove barriers and create equal opportunities for all travelers, regardless of their abilities or challenges.
As the program continues to grow, Air Canada remains dedicated to expanding its reach and refining its approach to ensure that every family can experience the joy and adventure of air travel with confidence and comfort.
