10th Premium Kids Event: Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at YUL Airport with Ease

Monday, April 8, 2024

The 10th edition of the Premium Kids event at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, orchestrated by ADM Aéroports de Montréal in collaboration with Air Transat, radiated with joy and beaming faces. Designed to support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or functional limitations and their families, this special day aimed to alleviate their anxieties about flying by acquainting them with the airport procedures.

With nearly 200 participants this year, the event offered a glimpse into the typical airport journey, from navigating the parking lot to clearing security, boarding a plane, and even experiencing the in-flight safety demonstration. Laughter and smiles were abundant throughout, making it a memorable and heartwarming experience for all involved.

“We are delighted to once again play host to Premium Kids, an initiative that has been making a real difference to the lives of participants for 10 years and which is very close to ADM’s heart,” said Martin Massé, Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability at ADM. “Our organization is constantly working to meet the needs of our users by providing them with an enjoyable, safe and accessible experience in our facilities. This morning the children, accompanied by their parents, enjoyed a unique experience that gave them hope that one day they will be able to fly as a family. Thanks also to all the volunteers and our partners who made the day such a success.”

“For Air Transat, Premium Kids fulfills a very specific commitment: to make travel accessible to everyone,” added Julie Lamontagne, Chief People, Sustainability and Communications Officer at Transat. “This event is a key element in the continuous improvement of our flight operations, in particular the training and sensitization of our staff to the specific needs of certain customer groups. By seeking to understand and meet the unique needs of each traveller, we hope to contribute to a broader definition of inclusivity, a value that is fundamental to us. I join Martin Massé in sincerely thanking everyone involved in making Premium Kids a reality.”

In honor of the event’s milestone 10th anniversary, a fortunate family had the opportunity to snag an Air Transat flight to one of its desirable Southern destinations. Alongside Air Transat’s steadfast involvement since the event’s inception, generously providing aircraft and crew, numerous other key partners played integral roles in ensuring the seamless execution 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 the Montréal Airport Marriott Hotel.

This initiative takes inspiration from Wings for Autism, a program inaugurated in 2011 by the Charles River Center in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Boston-Logan International Airport). In 2013, ADM made significant strides by becoming the first airport authority in Canada to implement a similar program at YUL, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

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