Courtesy
of Aéroports de Montréal (ADM)
The Premium Kids event, organized by ADM Aéroports de Montréal in partnership with Air Transat, takes place at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport amidst good cheer, much laughter, and many smiles. This unique day enables children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or functional limitations to familiarize themselves with the airport process and reduce their anxiety about flying.
Nearly 200 participants experience the complete airport journey, from arriving at the parking lot to boarding an airplane, including checking in, going through security, and listening to in-flight safety instructions. Accompanied by their parents, the children are able to enjoy an experience in a real-life environment that could prepare them for the hope of one day being able to fly as a family. It is an important day for the participants, but also for Aéroports de Montreal, which is committed to making travel accessible to a growing number of passengers at Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL).
In addition to Air Transat, several other partners ensure the smooth running of the event: Autisme Montréal; the Giant Steps; Transport Canada; the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA); GardaWorld; HMSHost; and Montréal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. Furthermore, Airports Council International (ACI) World employees volunteered to participate in the 10th edition that was held on Sunday 7 April.
This initiative is inspired by a similar program, Wings for Autism, launched in 2011 by the Charles River Center in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Boston-Logan International Airport). ADM became the first airport authority in Canada to implement such a program at YUL in 2013.
