Aircraft
Industry Rallies for 2026 Special Olympics Flights
Textron-led effort calls on volunteer pilots
Special Olympics Airlift Textron/Cessna
General aviation leaders and organizations are joining forces to support Textron Aviation's 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, a national volunteer effort to transport athletes and coaches to the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.

General aviation leaders and organizations are joining forces to support the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, a national volunteer effort to transport athletes and coaches to the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Announced during EAA AirVenture 2025, the initiative is organized by Textron Aviation and endorsed by the Experimental Aircraft Association and GAMA.

Scheduled for June 19 and 27, 2026, the airlift will mobilize hundreds of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft owners to fly participants to and from the event, with arrivals and departures set for St. Paul Downtown Airport (KSTP). Participating aircraft, known as “Doves,” are expected to land or take off every three minutes during a 10-hour period. The release called on operators of Citations, King Airs, and other aircraft to sign up to help next year.