Eighth Special Olympics Airlift by Textron Aviation takes flight today

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 4, 2022) – This morning, more than 120 Textron Aviation aircraft will depart from 28 states across the United States and land at Orlando Executive Airport with Special Olympics athletes and coaches aboard. Participating aircraft – referred to as “Doves” by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) while flying in the Airlift – have priority in the National Airspace System today, and will land and take off every three minutes for approximately eight hours in Orlando as they bring teams to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

This is the eighth time Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, has convened the Special Olympics Airlift. Since the first airlift in 1987, more than 10,000 athletes and coaches from across the United States have been transported to Special Olympics World Games and USA Games.

Today is the culmination of more than a year of planning by hundreds of individuals at Textron Aviation, Special Olympics, the FAA, Orlando Executive Airport, Atlantic Aviation and many of the event’s vendors and sponsors. More than 120 Cessna Citation, Beechjet and Hawker business jets as well as Beechcraft King Air turboprop aircraft owners have donated the use of their aircraft, pilots and fuel to transport more than 800 passengers to the Games.

“This is an extraordinary experience for everyone involved and provides an impressive visual of the power of general aviation as well as the philanthropic side of the aviation industry,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “The ultimate mission of the Special Olympics Airlift is to make sure all the athletes who are invited to participate at the national level are able to get to the Games. Travel is the biggest expense for Special Olympics programs, and for many athletes this is their first time leaving their home state. Through this once-in-a-lifetime private aviation experience, they are able to travel with their teammates and their gear, and they arrive rested and ready to compete.”

Doves will return to Orlando Executive Airport on Sunday, June 12 to ensure the teams return home after a fulfilling week of sporting competition. The USA Games offer youth and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to realize new strengths and abilities, skills and success through sports.

“Our athletes are at the core of everything we do; they are our inspiration,” said Joe Dzaluk, president and CEO, 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. “Our goal  is that they have the most amazing, life-changing experience at the 2022 USA Games. The Special Olympics Airlift program, coordinated by Textron Aviation, and the experience it delivers sets the stage for an incredible week. The support the Textron Aviation team is providing truly makes all the difference.”

Find out more about this monumental nationwide aviation event at txtav.com/airlift. Learn more about the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games at 2022specialolympicsusagames.org.

Images: Visit the 2022 Special Olympics Airlift media kit for additional images and videos.

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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

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, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

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About the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games are taking place June 5-12, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner, and the event is hosted by Disney. During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country's most cherished sporting events. The USA Games is hosted once every four years and showcases 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and 30 events throughout the week. Website: www.2022USAGames.org.