Latest news with #RonDraper
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.' First-ever Learjet Polar Mission departs Wichita, raises $100K for restoration 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
National Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Textron Aviation Calls on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker Owners to Transport Athletes to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Article content WICHITA, Kan. — 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content '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.' Article content 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: Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content Become a Dove for this monumental nationwide aviation event by visiting Article content 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 | | Article content 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: Article content 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. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Textron Aviation Calls on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker Owners to Transport Athletes to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
WICHITA, Kan., May 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 About Textron AviationWe 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 About 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: About Special Olympics USA GamesThe 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. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Rachel WilliamsRawilliams@
Business Wire
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Textron Aviation Calls on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker Owners to Transport Athletes to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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 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 | | 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: 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.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Textron Aviation unveils $40 million career center in Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Textron Aviation officially opened its $40 million Career & Learning Center in Wichita on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing workforce development in the aviation industry. The center consolidates hiring, training, and educational outreach to support talent development. The 75,000-square-foot facility features four zones, each designed for a specific stage of employment, ranging from job applications and onboarding to technical training and student engagement. The aviation company says that the center demonstrates a commitment to attracting and developing skilled professionals in aviation manufacturing and support roles. 'This facility is an important investment in building the next generation of aviation talent,' Ron Draper, Textron Aviation president and CEO, said. 'Recruiting, hiring, and training a world-class workforce is vital to our ability to provide the best aviation experience for our customers.' Kansas Governor Laura Kelly praised the facility as a model for workforce partnerships. 'This new career and learning center is way more than just a building—it's a partnership,' she said during Wednesday's ribbon-cutting event. 'Textron is training and hiring the next generation of Kansas workers.' Wichita's coming Broadway season brings unique tour debuts The project received $3.3 million from the ALOFT grant program to support apprenticeships, manufacturing training, and K-12 aviation education, featuring spaces for flight simulators and STEM activities. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran also spoke at the event, highlighting the federal commitment to promoting aviation as a national strategic asset. 'I hope that everyone who has a dream to do something with their lives finds this facility available to them,' Moran said. 'We want the bright future we envision for Kansas to be built here.' Rep. Ron Estes added that the new center reinforces Wichita's reputation as the 'Air Capital of the World.' 'Textron continues to lead in education and workforce preparation. This facility will not only help train aviation workers—it will strengthen our national economy and defense,' he said. For more information or to apply, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
