National Business Aviation Association Signs on to Support the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift
During the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) event in Las Vegas, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen announced the organization's support and endorsement of the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift. The 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.
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During the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) event in Las Vegas, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen announced the organization's support and endorsement of the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift.
"We couldn't do this alone. The support of the National Business Aviation Association, our customers and the entire aviation industry is a powerful testament to what we can achieve together," said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. "The Special Olympics Airlift gives these athletes the opportunity to shine, and NBAA's support helps amplify that mission."
The industry is calling on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft owners and operators to come together on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, to enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota's Twin Cities, 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 showcases the extraordinary generosity and unity within the business aviation community," Bolen said. "By coming together to support these remarkable athletes, the aviation community delivers unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories. NBAA is honored to stand behind this powerful initiative that reflects the very best of our industry."
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.
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.
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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