From training to triumph: honouring Paper Planes Café graduates this Autism Awareness Month
This Autism Awareness Month, we’re proud to celebrate the meaningful work being done through our partnership with the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) and the inspiring journeys of the graduates from Paper Planes Café at YVR.
Situated in the Domestic Arrivals area on Level 2, Paper Planes Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s a space where inclusion takes flight. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the café employs individuals on the autism spectrum, providing them with paid, hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in a real-world work environment.
Through this café, YVR and PAFN offer up to six months of training, covering essential skills and expertise typical of the restaurant and service industry. This includes barista talents, food preparation, and customer service, all designed to prepare graduates for a successful career in the hospitality field. Upon completing the program, graduates are supported in their job search within the community—equipped with confidence, experience, and new professional connections.
Since opening in 2023, the café has become a vibrant part of the terminal and a symbol of what inclusive employment can achieve. To date, Paper Planes Café has served over 36,000 cups of coffee to travellers and airport employees alike —each one prepared with care and pride by its dedicated team.
Among those team members are TJ and Rahma, two remarkable graduates whose stories reflect the impact of this program. Check their stories below.
From their first shifts behind the counter to serving travellers from around the world, the Paper Planes team shows us every day what’s possible when we build environments that embrace diversity and foster belonging.
YVR is committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive airport, and our partnership with PAFN is a powerful example of how we can work together to uplift our community and open doors to meaningful opportunities.