Air New Zealand is helping neurodivergent children and their families navigate air travel with confidence by offering a safe, supportive space to rehearse the journey—well before takeoff.
In a first for Air New Zealand, the airline has hosted a flight familiarisation experience specifically designed for neurodivergent children and their families. The initiative, held on Saturday 7 June at the airline’s training facility, was delivered in partnership with Autism New Zealand and Acorn Neurodiversity.
The experience aimed to simulate key stages of the air travel process—including check-in, security screening, boarding, and in-cabin procedures—within a calm, low-stress environment. The goal was to provide neurodivergent children with familiarity and confidence ahead of future travel, while also offering families peace of mind.
The event forms part of Air New Zealand’s wider commitment to making travel more inclusive and accessible. It was led by the airline’s Enable Network, an internal support group for employees with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities.
Air New Zealand Senior Aircraft Programme Manager and Enable Network Lead, Ed Collett, said the initiative had personal significance.
"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.
"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.
Autism New Zealand Chief Executive Dane Dougan described the event as transformative for participating families.
"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."
Acorn Neurodiversity Chief Executive Tami Harris also praised the collaborative design of the initiative.
"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."
The airline plans to continue its collaboration with community partners to further enhance the travel experience for neurodiverse customers and their families.
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