by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:55 AM ET, Mon April 13, 2026
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) hosted nearly 200 participants for its 12th annual Premium Kids event, an initiative the airport says is designed to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or functional limitations become more comfortable with air travel.
Organized by ADM Aéroports de Montréal in partnership with Air Transat, the event gives families the opportunity to move through the full airport experience, from check-in and security screening to boarding and onboard safety demonstrations, in a controlled, supportive setting.
Held during Autism Awareness Month, the program aims to reduce anxiety associated with flying by familiarizing participants with each step of the process.
“ADM is proud to have once again played host to Premium Kids, an event that aligns with our commitment to making the airport experience more inclusive and accessible,” said Jérôme Conraud, ADM's Vice President Strategy, Planning, and Sustainability.
“The children, accompanied by their parents, experienced a realistic introduction to the airport environment in a welcoming setting, which gave them hope that one day they will be able to fly as a family. This activity is very important to ADM, and I would like to thank all the volunteers and partners who made the day such a success.”
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Air Transat, which has supported the initiative since its inception, said the program plays a key role in addressing barriers faced by travellers with functional limitations.
“Initiatives such as Premium Kids, supported by the commitment of our employees and long-standing partners like ADM, play an essential role in easing these families' apprehensions and guiding them toward a more serene travel experience," Andréan Gagné, Senior Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility at Transat, said.
"As part of our accessibility approach and our commitment to continuous improvement, we have identified critical moments in the travel experience of individuals with functional limitations, one of which is the airport process. This highlights just how important events like Premium Kids are. Air Transat is honoured to support this meaningful initiative year after year.”
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Additional partners supporting the event included Autisme Montréal, Giant Steps, Transport Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, GardaWorld, Sûreté du Québec, HMSHost, and the Montréal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel.
The initiative is inspired by the Wings for Autism program launched in 2011 at Boston Logan International Airport. ADM became the first Canadian airport authority to introduce a similar concept at YUL in 2013.
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