Textron Aviation calls on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners to transport athletes to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

WICHITA, Kan. (May 1, 2025) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the coordination of the ninth Special Olympics Airlift, a monumental event aimed at transporting hundreds of athletes and coaches across country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. The company 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.

The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation, mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft from across the country to create the world’s largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes.

 

“The Airlift is more than just a flight; it’s about giving these champions the chance to shine and achieve their dreams on a national stage,” said Ron Draper, president & CEO, Textron Aviation. “Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the athletes’ faces as they embark on their journey to and from the Games is incredibly moving. We need Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers to join us in this heartfelt mission, volunteering their aircraft and time to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these athletes and their families.”

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. Owners and operators in every state are needed to donate the use of the following aircraft: 

• Cessna Citation jets

• Beechcraft King Air turboprops

• Beechcraft Beechjet and Premier jets

• Hawker jets

 

Each Airlift event builds on the success of previous years, continually growing in scale and impact. 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 made possible by collaboration from influential industry groups such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Minneapolis Saint Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission/KSTP, Signature Aviation, Special Olympics USA Games Local Organizing Committee and Special Olympics North America.

 

Become a Dove for this monumental nationwide aviation event by visiting airlift.txtav.com.

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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 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. 

 

About Special Olympics USA Games 
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike’s Subs and United Healthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.