General Aviation Community Unites to Support the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift
During the industry’s iconic Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, leading general aviation organizations — including EAA and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) — announced their collective support and endorsement of the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift event.
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Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation and Jack J. Pelton, chairman and CEO, Experimental Aircraft Association celebrate the general aviation community uniting to support the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift during the industry’s iconic Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. (Photo: Textron Aviation)
The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft to create the world’s largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes. This monumental event will transport hundreds of athletes and coaches across the country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
“The support of EAA, GAMA and our customers across the general aviation community is a powerful testament to the spirit of aviation and its ability to change lives,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “Together, we are creating unforgettable experiences for these athletes and demonstrating the true heart of our industry.”
The industry is calling on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft owners and operators to come together on Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, to enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the host city, regardless of financial or logistical challenges. Owners and operators of Cessna Citation, Beechcraft King Air and Hawker aircraft can participate by volunteering their aircraft, crew, fuel and time.
“The Special Olympics Airlift is one of the most inspiring demonstrations of what aviation can do to uplift lives and unite communities,” said Jack J. Pelton, chairman and CEO, Experimental Aircraft Association. “EAA is proud to support this extraordinary mission, and we deeply appreciate the dedication of the pilots and volunteers who make it possible. It’s a shining example of aviation’s heart.”
Since the inception of the Special Olympics Airlift in 1987, Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches to various Special Olympics World and USA Games. During the 2026 event, participating aircraft known as Doves are expected to touch down or takeoff from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes throughout a 10-hour period.
“The Special Olympics Airlift is an excellent example of how the general aviation community bands together to support special missions and give back. This noble effort provides Special Olympics athletes and coaches with the transportation necessary to create lasting memories of the games and inspiring achievements by the competitors,” said James Viola, president and CEO, GAMA.
Everybody needs a lift every now and then. Become a Dove for this monumental nationwide aviation event by visiting airlift.txtav.com.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com| www.defense.txtav.com| www.scorpionjet.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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