National Business Aviation Association to Support 2026 Special Olympics Airlift

10/14/2025 – 11:30 AM

LAS VEGAS – At the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen announced the organization’s formal backing of the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift. This initiative, orchestrated by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (TXT), aims to leverage the collective power of general aviation to provide transportation for athletes participating in the Special Olympics. The Airlift relies on the generosity of volunteer pilots and aircraft owners operating Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft, transforming these private planes into a massive, nationwide 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.

Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation, emphasized the collaborative nature of the Airlift. “The support of the National Business Aviation Association and the entire aviation industry is a powerful testament to what we can achieve together,” Draper stated. “The Special Olympics Airlift gives these athletes the opportunity to shine, and NBAA’s support helps amplify that mission.” The endorsement from NBAA marks a significant step, potentially broadening the reach and impact of the program.

The call is now being made to Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft owners to volunteer their resources for the event scheduled for June 19th and 27th, 2026. This mobilization will provide athletes from across the United States the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, regardless of their financial constraints. Participation entails donating aircraft, fuel, crew, and time to transport athletes safely and efficiently.

NBAA’s Bolen highlighted the spirit of unity fostered by the Airlift. “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 its inception in 1987, the Special Olympics Airlift has facilitated the travel of over 10,000 athletes and coaches to Special Olympics events. During the 2026 event, a coordinated air traffic choreography is planned, with aircraft, symbolically named “Doves,” anticipated to arrive or depart from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes during a 10-hour operational window. This logistical feat requires meticulous planning and coordination between Textron Aviation, the FAA, and numerous other stakeholders.

The Airlift represents a confluence of corporate social responsibility, the passion of private aviation, and sophisticated logistical planning. While the immediate benefit is providing transportation to athletes, there are broader implications for the business aviation community. It strengthens public perception and demonstrates the positive impact this sector can have on society. Furthermore, it presents a unique opportunity for aircraft owners and operators to engage in a meaningful philanthropic endeavor, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose within the industry.

The reliance on volunteer pilots and aircraft raises questions about risk management and safety protocols. Textron Aviation, in partnership with the FAA, will likely implement stringent safety standards and pilot qualification requirements to ensure the safe transport of athletes. This heightened scrutiny, while necessary, also serves to reinforce best practices within the general aviation sector.

The 2026 Special Olympics Airlift is poised to be a significant event, both logistically and symbolically. Its success will depend not only on the generosity of aircraft owners and pilots but also on the efficient coordination and rigorous safety measures implemented by Textron Aviation and its partners. The event offers a compelling narrative of how the resources and expertise of the business aviation world can be leveraged to support a worthy cause, potentially inspiring further philanthropic endeavors within the industry.