Aviation industry prepares for 2026 Special Olympics flights.
- Shashwat Dwivedi
- 10 hours ago
- 1 min read
Leaders of the aviation industry and other related organisations are coming together for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, a national volunteer effort to transport athletes and coaches to the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
This initiative was announced during EAA AirVenture 2025. It is organised by Textron Aviation and endorsed by the Experimental Aircraft Association and GAMA.
The airlift is scheduled to take place in June of next year, between the 19th and 27th. It will be conducted on a large scale, involving the mobilisation of hundreds of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft owners to fly participants to and from the event. Arrivals and departures will be coordinated through St. Paul Downtown Airport (KSTP).
During the ten-hour operational period, participating aircraft, known as the "Doves", are expected to land or take off every three minutes. Ron Draper, CEO of Textron Aviation, commented upon the venture in a statement. "The effort is a powerful testament to the spirit of aviation and its ability to change lives."
Jack Pelton, Chairman of EAA, described the effort as a shining example of aviation’s heart. James Viola, CEO of GAMA, spoke about how the airlift "provides Special Olympics athletes and coaches with the transportation necessary to create lasting memories of the games and inspiring achievements by the competitors."
