Air New Zealand is helping remove the unknowns of air
travel for neurodivergent children and their families by
creating a safe, supportive environment to practice the
journey – before even taking to the skies.
In a first
for the airline, and in partnership with Autism New Zealand
and Acorn Neurodiversity, it has hosted a flight
familiarisation experience for neurodivergent children and
their families.
Held on Saturday 7 June,
using Air New Zealand’s training facility, the experience
replicated key stages of the air travel process including
check-in, security screening, boarding, and in-cabin
procedures – all within a setting that aimed to be calm
and low-stress.
The aim was simple: to
empower neurodivergent children with confidence and
familiarity ahead of their travels, while offering their
families peace of mind through firsthand experience of the
journey.
This initiative forms part of Air New
Zealand’s broader commitment to making travel welcoming
and accessible for everyone and was led by Air New
Zealand’s Enable Network, an internal group supporting
employees who have a personal disability or care for someone
with a disability.
Air New Zealand Senior Aircraft
Programme Manager and Enable Network Lead, Ed Collett, said
the airline was proud to support families who may otherwise
find travel challenging.
“As the father of a young
adult with autism, I know firsthand how lonely and
overwhelming air travel sometimes feels. That’s why I’m
incredibly proud to support Air New Zealand in offering
trial flights for neurodiverse children and their families.
These experiences do more than simulate travel – they build
confidence, reduce fear, and help remove the invisible
barriers that too often limit opportunity.
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“The
experience also showed the power of empathy in action. Not
only did it support families, but it also gave our people a
deeper understanding of how small acts can make a huge
difference in someone’s journey. We look forward to
building on this to make the journey even better for
everyone who travels with us,” said Collett.
Chief
Executive of Autism New Zealand, Dane Dougan, said the event
was more than just a practice run, it was a confidence
builder.
“For many families in our community, flying
can feel like an impossible task. This experience gave them
the tools, the time, and the space to make it possible.
We’re proud to work with Air New Zealand to bring
understanding and accessibility into the heart of the travel
journey.”
Chief Executive of Acorn Neurodiversity,
Tami Harris, emphasised the power of designing with
community voices.
“This is what co-design looks
like. This initiative was shaped with lived experience at
the centre. It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t about
grand gestures, but meaningful, thoughtful changes that make
people feel safe, welcome, and understood”
This
event marks an important step in Air New Zealand’s ongoing
commitment to inclusivity. The airline will continue to
collaborate with community partners to identify and
implement meaningful ways to enhance the travel experience
for neurodiverse customers and their
families.
