Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation are set to host the inaugural event in a series of planned gatherings across six cities in Canada in 2025, commemorating Autism Aviation Days. In a statement released on April 2, 2025, the airline stated that it is partnering with Autism Edmonton and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) in preparation for the event. The event is designed to create a supportive environment where children on the autism spectrum can become acquainted with various aspects of air travel.
Air Canada and Air Canada Foundation Support Aviation Autism Days
Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation to host the first Autism Aviation Days event in Edmonton, partnering with Autism Edmonton and YEG to help children on the autism spectrum familiarise themselves with air travel. This is one of six planned across the year, two more than the previous four in 2024.
Alongside the events scheduled across the year, Air Canada has donated a row of aircraft seats to Edmonton International Airport’s new Sensory Room. This initiative is designed to offer a calm and relaxing space for passengers on the spectrum, as well as those struggling with anxiety or other sensory processing challenges.
Rebecca Smillie-Nedelec, Director, of Community Engagement at Air Canada believes that these events are a great way to ease anxiety and build confidence for future journeys. Smillie-Nedelec stated that
Autism Aviation Days are more than just practice runs — they’re a gateway to confidence.
She goes on,
For many families, the opportunity to practice the airport and flight process in a supportive and flexible environment can make their future air travel dreams a reality. These events have a lasting impact, helping children feel more comfortable and ultimately improving the quality of life for families who may have otherwise avoid flying.
Carmen Donnelly, Vice President of Passenger Experience and Terminal Operations at YEG, highlighted the need of making air travel accessible for everyone, particularly neurodiverse individuals. She released a statement indicating that
YEG is committed to being an airport for all, and we want neurodiverse individuals and their families to feel confident and comfortable while navigating the airport and flight process.
Donnelly goes on,
We are grateful to partner with Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, Autism Edmonton, and others in creating a more welcoming airport experience for everyone.
Morine Rossi, Programs Manager at Autism Edmonton, underscored the importance of offering such opportunities, noting that travel can be a sensory and transitional challenge for many autistic individuals. She explained that providing families with a chance to practice in a controlled and safe setting opens doors to new travel possibilities and contributes to greater autism acceptance, particularly during Autism Awareness Month in April.
About Air Canada
Recently having celebrated 60 years of service, Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance. The airline offers scheduled services to over 180 airports across Canada, the United States, and internationally on six continents. The company prides itself on commitment to service excellence, holding a four-star ranking from Skytrax.
Through Air Canada Vacations, the airline provides more travel options than any other Canadian tour operator, offering access to hundreds of global destinations, along with a diverse selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its cargo division, Air Canada Cargo, ensures air freight connectivity to hundreds of destinations worldwide, utilising both passenger and freighter aircraft.
As many airlines are doing in line with climate commitment, Air Canada has announced a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Additionally, Air Canada remains committed to enhancing customer experience, providing a range of services including premium lounges, in-flight entertainment, and personalised travel options for all types of travellers. As the airline works to strengthen its position as a global leader in the aviation industry, it remains focused on connecting people and cultures while delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term sustainability.
The Air Canada Foundation
Launched in 2012, the Air Canada Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and youth across Canada. The Foundation offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities, with a particular focus on healthcare initiatives. One of its core programs, the Hospital Transportation Program, redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 paediatric hospitals nationwide, enabling sick children to access vital medical care away from home.
As part of its ongoing commitment to making a positive impact, the Foundation’s activities are aligned with Air Canada’s broader sustainability goals, contributing to the well-being of both local and global communities. For more details on the Foundation’s work, you can explore the 2022-23 Impact Report or the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report available on Air Canada’s website.
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