Airlines

Special Family Day at Montréal-Trudeau Airport

A group of children accompanied by their families experienced a special day at Montréal-Trudeau airport Sunday (April 2) during the fifth edition of the Premium Kids program, which organizes airport-process familiarization days for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) or functional limitations.

Nearly 100 children accompanied by family members had an opportunity to try out a typical traveller’s journey through an airport, from arrival at the terminal parking lot, right up until the aircraft boarding and passenger-safety announcement. This context-setting exercise helps reduce their anxiety about air travel.

“Today’s activity is important for the families, but also for the entire airport community,” said Philippe Rainville, president and chief executive officer of Aéroports de Montréal. “It enables us to better identify the needs and expectations of the families, and improve our services to airport users accordingly.”

For his part, Jean-François Lemay, president of Air Transat, said, “Preparing children for the experience of flying is essential for a successful family trip. This step is all the more important for parents of children with an ASD. This is why we are pleased to be the official partner airline of the Premium Kids program.”

He added, “Our priority is to provide our passengers with an exceptional, pleasant and safe experience, no matter their limitations. Air Transat provides an extensive range of services to families travelling aboard its flights and our participation in Premium Kids is in keeping with this approach.”

The annual event is organized by Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) jointly with the following partners: Air Transat, Autisme Montréal, the Giant Steps organization, Special Olympics Québec, Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), Securitas, HMSHost, and Montréal Airport Marriott Hotel.