Textron calls on aircraft owners to help Special Olympics
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Textron Aviation is calling on the owners and operators of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft to come together next year to support Special Olympics.
Textron Aviation is organizing the Special Olympics Airlift on June 19 and June 27, 2026. The company is seeking hundreds of volunteer owners and operators across the United States to help transport athletes and coaches nationwide to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota's Twin Cities.
'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,' Ron Draper, Textron Aviation president and CEO, said in a news release. '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.'
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Since it began in 1987, the Special Olympics Airlift has transported over 10,000 athletes and coaches to various Special Olympics World and USA Games, thanks to the efforts of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft owners. The airlift requires help from owners and operators in every state in the U.S.
Textron is specifically looking for pilots who are operating the following aircraft:
Cessna Citation Jets
Beechcraft King Air turboprops
Beechcraft Beechjet and Premier jets
Hawker Jets
Those wishing to participate in the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift can find more information by clicking here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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