Air Canada & its Foundation Celebrate Success of Expanded Autism Aviation Days

Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation are celebrating another successful year of their Autism Aviation Days events, which expanded this year to seven different airports across Canada.

The events aim to provide a supportive environment where children on the autism spectrum can familiarize themselves with elements of air travel. This includes the entire pre-flight process, from check-in to boarding and aircraft taxiing, helping to ease anxiety and build confidence for future journeys — both for the children and their families. 

This year, with the support of Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines, events took place in Vancouver, Kamloops, Calgary, St. John’s, Quebec City, Winnipeg and Edmonton.

“Autism Aviation Days expanded significantly this year,” said Brigitte St-Pierre, Director, Official Languages and Community Engagement at Air Canada. 

“We were able to offer this experience to more families from coast to coast, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful initiative next year. We are honoured to have supported so many autism organizations this year, who do tremendous work in their communities. We also thank our loyal partners Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines for their help making those events possible.”

Edna Ray, Senior Manager, Regional Sales at Air Canada, first approached the Air Canada Foundation with the idea.

“The initial concept was to reassure families that air travel could be a possibility. Having been approached by a travel advisor who is a Certified Autism Travel Professional based in Victoria, BC – the first Autism Aviation Day took flight at the Victoria International Airport,” said Ray.

“The increased demand for the events this year demonstrated families with children on the spectrum most definitely would like to enjoy air travel, and we’re happy to be able to introduce families to that possibility.”

“Accessibility is measured in many ways,” said Paul Walsh, CEO, Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador. “On October 5th, I saw smiles and tears of joy as families realized they’d broken through a barrier that has denied them the ability to travel together. When any part of society breaks down barriers, we get closer to true equity and inclusion.”

In 2024, Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation held four Autism Aviation Days, helping over 125 children and their families learn more about air travel. In 2025, due to high demand, it hosted seven events, including in Quebec and Newfoundland for the first time, helping over 450 children and their families.