Air New Zealand opens cabin doors to neurodiverse families with flight familiarisation experience
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.
"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.
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com