General Aviation Unites to Back 2026 Special Olympics Airlift at EAA AirVenture
The general aviation community came together in a powerful show of unity during the 2025 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to endorse and support one of the most inspiring aviation-driven humanitarian missions in the world—the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift. Spearheaded by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, the Airlift is an extraordinary event that brings together hundreds of volunteer pilots and aircraft to transport Special Olympics athletes and their coaches to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
This announcement, made in collaboration with leading aviation bodies including the EAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), reflects the aviation industry’s deep commitment to community service and social inclusion. It also highlights the enduring spirit of generosity and volunteerism that defines general aviation.
A Legacy of Uplifting Lives Through Flight
First launched in 1987, the Special Olympics Airlift has played a vital role in helping over 10,000 Special Olympics athletes and coaches attend both national and international games. The initiative transforms the logistical and financial challenges of long-distance travel into a seamless, celebratory experience—one that is made possible entirely through the selfless dedication of private aircraft owners, pilots, and aviation crews.
The 2026 edition of the Airlift will take place on two key dates: Friday, June 19, 2026, when athletes will be flown to Minnesota, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, when they will be flown home after the Games conclude. Volunteer pilots operating Cessna Citation business jets, Beechcraft King Air turboprops, and Hawker aircraft will serve as the backbone of this large-scale effort.
Each participating aircraft in the airlift is affectionately known as a “Dove”—a symbol of peace, unity, and goodwill. These Doves will take off and land at St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) approximately every three minutes over the span of a 10-hour window, transforming the airfield into a hub of heartwarming reunions and exciting departures.
A Call to the Aviation Community
Textron Aviation’s President and CEO, Ron Draper, underscored the deep impact of the airlift program, saying, “The support of EAA, GAMA, and our customers across the general aviation community is a powerful testament to the spirit of aviation and its ability to change lives. Together, we are creating unforgettable experiences for these athletes and demonstrating the true heart of our industry.”
This sentiment was echoed by EAA Chairman and CEO Jack J. Pelton, who noted, “The Special Olympics Airlift is one of the most inspiring demonstrations of what aviation can do to uplift lives and unite communities. EAA is proud to support this extraordinary mission, and we deeply appreciate the dedication of the pilots and volunteers who make it possible.”
James Viola, President and CEO of GAMA, also voiced his support, highlighting the importance of giving back through aviation. “The Special Olympics Airlift is an excellent example of how the general aviation community bands together to support special missions. This noble effort provides Special Olympics athletes and coaches with the transportation necessary to create lasting memories of the games and inspiring achievements by the competitors,” he said.
Volunteers: The Heart of the Mission
The success of the 2026 Airlift will rest entirely on the shoulders of volunteers—aircraft owners, pilots, and support crews who are willing to donate their time, fuel, and aircraft to a cause that goes far beyond flight. It is a powerful reminder that aviation isn’t just about technology or travel—it’s about people.
Textron Aviation is now inviting more Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft operators to join the mission by visiting airlift.txtav.com. The call to action is simple but profound: become a Dove, and give someone a life-changing journey.
About Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation has been at the forefront of general aviation for more than 95 years, encompassing the legacy and innovation of the Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands. The company offers one of the industry’s broadest and most versatile portfolios, including business jets, turboprops, high-performance piston aircraft, and special mission and military platforms. With over half of the world’s general aviation aircraft produced by Textron Aviation’s workforce, the company is an industry leader not only in product delivery but also in community impact.
Customers in over 170 countries rely on Textron Aviation for performance, reliability, and responsive global support. And with initiatives like the Special Olympics Airlift, the company is extending its leadership into the humanitarian space, using the power of flight to lift spirits and create lasting memories.
An Event That Embodies the Soul of Aviation
As the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games approach, the aviation industry is once again proving that its influence extends far beyond airfields and flight paths. The Special Olympics Airlift is not just about moving athletes from point A to point B—it’s about empowering them, celebrating their achievements, and reinforcing their place in a global community of inclusion and respect.
